A Management Plan for the Everglades Complex Of …...1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Florida Fish and Wildlife...

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600

A Management Plan for the

Everglades Complex

Of Wildlife Management Areas

2015 - 2025

Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties, Florida

Everglades and Francis S. Taylor · Holey Land · Rotenberger

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

A Management Plan for the

Everglades Complex of Wildlife Management Areas

Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties, Florida

Owned by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund

Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

February 2015

Approved

Thomas Eason Director, Division of Habitat and Species Conservation

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | ECWMA Management Plan

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LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Lead Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Common Name of Property: Everglades Complex of Wildlife Management Areas Location: Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, Florida Acreage Total: 736,881 Acreage Breakdown:

Land Cover Classification Acres Percent of Total Area Hydric hammock 317.9 0.04% Prairie hammock 11,984.8 1.63% Ruderal 18,441.2 2.51% Slough 1,715.1 0.23% Strand swamp 2,817.4 0.38% Swale 700,106.4 95.20%

*GIS-calculated acreage for land cover classification varies slightly from actual total acreage. Lease/Management Agreement No.: 3581 (Appendix 13.1) Use: Single Management Responsibilities:

Multiple X Agency FWC Responsibilities LEAD, SUBLESSEE (Wildlife Management

Area, resource protection, law enforcement) Designated Land Use: Wildlife Management Area Sublease (s): None Encumbrances: SFWMD Cooperative Management Agreement Type Acquisition: Fish and Wildlife Habitat Program Unique Features: Natural: Vast landscape of Everglades Ecosystem Natural Communities: swale,

prairie hammock, strand swamp, slough, and hydric hammock. Archaeological/Historical: 126 archaeological sites documented within ECWMA. Management Needs: Habitat restoration and improvement; public access and recreational opportunities; hydrological preservation and restoration; exotic and invasive species maintenance and control; imperiled species habitat maintenance, enhancement, and restoration. Acquisition Needs/Acreage: No acres on FWC Additions and Inholdings list; 64,809 acres remaining in the Panther Glades Florida Forever Project (Figure 3). Surplus Lands/Acreage: None Public Involvement: Management Advisory Group consensus building meeting and Public Hearing (Appendix 13.2) DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE (FOR DIVISION OF STATE LANDS USE ONLY) ARC Approval Date BTIITF Approval Date: Comments:


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Land Management Plan Compliance Checklist Required for State-owned conservation lands over 160 acres

Section A: Acquisition Information Items

Item # Requirement Statute/Rule Page Numbers and/or Appendix

1 The common name of the property. 18-2.018 & 18-2.021 1

2 The land acquisition program, if any, under which the property was acquired. 18-2.018 & 18-2.021 7-8

3 Degree of title interest held by the Board, including reservations and encumbrances such as leases. 18-2.021 9

4 The legal description and acreage of the property. 18-2.018 & 18-2.021 1, 117

5 A map showing the approximate location and boundaries of the property, and the location of any structures or improvements to the property.

18-2.018 & 18-2.021 5, 6, 74

6 An assessment as to whether the property, or any portion, should be declared surplus. Provide Information regarding assessment and analysis in the plan, and provide corresponding map.

18-2.021 51

7 Identification of other parcels of land within or immediately adjacent to the property that should be purchased because they are essential to management of the property. Please clearly indicate parcels on a map.

18-2.021 74-78

8 Identification of adjacent land uses that conflict with the planned use of the property, if any. 18-2.021 11

9 A statement of the purpose for which the lands were acquired, the projected use or uses as defined in 253.034 and the statutory authority for such use or uses.

259.032(10) 7, 8, 47-50

10 Proximity of property to other significant State, local or federal land or water resources. 18-2.021 9-11, 13

Section B: Use Items

Item # Requirement Statute/Rule Page Numbers and/or

Appendix

11 The designated single use or multiple use management for the property, including use by other managing entities. 18-2.018 & 18-2.021 50-51

12 A description of past and existing uses, including any unauthorized uses of the property. 18-2.018 & 18-2.021 47-49

13 A description of alternative or multiple uses of the property considered by the lessee and a statement detailing why such uses were not adopted.

18-2.018 50

14 A description of the management responsibilities of each entity involved in the property’s management and how such responsibilities will be coordinated.

18-2.018 80

15 Include a provision that requires that the managing agency consult with the Division of Historical Resources, Department of State before taking actions that may adversely affect archeological or historical resources.

18-2.021 73, 91, 462-464


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16 Analysis/description of other managing agencies and private land managers, if any, which could facilitate the restoration or management of the land.

18-2.021 80, 114

17 A determination of the public uses and public access that would be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were acquired. 259.032(10) 50-51

18

A finding regarding whether each planned use complies with the 1981 State Lands Management Plan, particularly whether such uses represent “balanced public utilization,” specific agency statutory authority and any other legislative or executive directives that constrain the use of such property.

18-2.021 115

19 Letter of compliance from the local government stating that the LMP is in compliance with the Local Government Comprehensive Plan. BOT requirement 480

20

An assessment of the impact of planned uses on the renewable and non-renewable resources of the property, including soil and water resources, and a detailed description of the specific actions that will be taken to protect, enhance and conserve these resources and to compensate/mitigate damage caused by such uses, including a description of how the manager plans to control and prevent soil erosion and soil or water contamination.

18-2.018 & 18-2.021 14-51, 60-84

21

*For managed areas larger than 1,000 acres, an analysis of the multiple-use potential of the property which shall include the potential of the property to generate revenues to enhance the management of the property provided that no lease, easement, or license for such revenue-generating use shall be entered into if the granting of such lease, easement or license would adversely affect the tax exemption of the interest on any revenue bonds issued to fund the acquisition of the affected lands from gross income for federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Internal Revenue Service regulations.

18-2.021 & 253.036 50

22

If the lead managing agency determines that timber resource management is not in conflict with the primary management objectives of the managed area, a component or section, prepared by a qualified professional forester, that assesses the feasibility of managing timber resources pursuant to section 253.036, F.S.

18-021 30

23 A statement regarding incompatible use in reference to Ch. 253.034(10). 253.034(10) 51

*The following taken from 253.034(10) is not a land management plan requirement; however, it should be considered when developing a land management plan: The following additional uses of conservation lands acquired pursuant to the Florida Forever program and other state-funded conservation land purchase programs shall be authorized, upon a finding by the Board of Trustees, if they meet the criteria specified in paragraphs (a)-(e): water resource development projects, water supply development projects, storm-water management projects, linear facilities and sustainable agriculture and forestry. Such additional uses are authorized where: (a) Not inconsistent with the management plan for such lands; (b) Compatible with the natural ecosystem and resource values of such lands; (c) The proposed use is appropriately located on such lands and where due consideration is given to the use of other available lands; (d) The using entity reasonably compensates the titleholder for such use based upon an appropriate measure of value; and (e) The use is consistent with the public interest.


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Section C: Public Involvement Items Item # Requirement Statute/Rule

Page Numbers and/or Appendix

24 A statement concerning the extent of public involvement and local government participation in the development of the plan, if any. 18-2.021 12

25 The management prospectus required pursuant to paragraph (9)(d) shall be available to the public for a period of 30 days prior to the public hearing.

259.032(10) 256-300

26

LMPs and LMP updates for parcels over 160 acres shall be developed with input from an advisory group who must conduct at least one public hearing within the county in which the parcel or project is located. Include the advisory group members and their affiliations, as well as the date and location of the advisory group meeting.

259.032(10) 12, 227-235

27 Summary of comments and concerns expressed by the advisory group for parcels over 160 acres 18-2.021 227-235

28

During plan development, at least one public hearing shall be held in each affected county. Notice of such public hearing shall be posted on the parcel or project designated for management, advertised in a paper of general circulation, and announced at a scheduled meeting of the local governing body before the actual public hearing. Include a copy of each County’s advertisements and announcements (meeting minutes will suffice to indicate an announcement) in the management plan.

253.034(5) & 259.032(10) 236-255

29 The manager shall consider the findings and recommendations of the land management review team in finalizing the required 10-year update of its management plan. Include manager’s replies to the team’s findings and recommendations.

259.036 60, 301-313

30 Summary of comments and concerns expressed by the management review team, if required by Section 259.036, F.S. 18-2.021 301-313

31 If manager is not in agreement with the management review team’s findings and recommendations in finalizing the required 10-year update of its management plan, the managing agency should explain why they disagree with the findings or recommendations.

259.036 301-313

Section D: Natural Resources


Appendix

32 Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding soil types. Use brief descriptions and include USDA maps when available.

18-2.021 15-17

33 Insert FNAI based natural community maps when available. ARC consensus 31

34 Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding outstanding native landscapes containing relatively unaltered flora, fauna and geological conditions.

18-2.021 16, 19-31


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35

Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding unique natural features and/or resources including but not limited to virgin timber stands, scenic vistas, natural rivers and streams, coral reefs, natural springs, caverns and large sinkholes.

18-2.018 & 18-2.021 43-45

36 Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding beaches and dunes.

18-2.021 43

37 Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding mineral resources, such as oil, gas and phosphate, etc.

18-2.018 & 18-2.021 46

38 Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding fish and wildlife, both game and non-game, and their habitat.

18-2.018 & 18-2.021 32-42

39 Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding State and Federally listed endangered or threatened species and their habitat.

18-2.021 41-45

40 The identification or resources on the property that are listed in the Natural Areas Inventory. Include letter from FNAI or consultant where appropriate.

18-2.021 42-43, 341

41 Specific description of how the managing agency plans to identify, locate, protect and preserve or otherwise use fragile, nonrenewable natural and cultural resources.

259.032(10) 59-112

42 Habitat Restoration and Improvement 259.032(10) & 253.034(5)

42-A.

Describe management needs, problems and a desired outcome and the key management activities necessary to achieve the enhancement, protection and preservation of restored habitats and enhance the natural, historical and archeological resources and their values for which the lands were acquired.

↓ 60-111

42-B. Provide a detailed description of both short (2-year planning period) and long-term (10-year planning period) management goals, and a priority schedule based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired and include a timeline for completion.

85-107

42-C. The associated measurable objectives to achieve the goals. 85-107

42-D. The related activities that are to be performed to meet the land management objectives and their associated measures. Include fire management plans - they can be in plan body or an appendix.

349-380

42-E. A detailed expense and manpower budget in order to provide a management tool that facilitates development of performance measures, including recommendations for cost-effective methods of accomplishing those activities.

111-113, 468-477

43 ***Quantitative data description of the land regarding an inventory of forest and other natural resources and associated acreage. See footnote.

253.034(5) 19-31

44 Sustainable Forest Management, including implementation of prescribed fire management 18-2.021, 253.034(5) &

259.032(10) ↓

44-A. Management needs, problems and a desired outcome (see requirement for # 42-A). 60-111


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44-B. Detailed description of both short and long-term management goals (see requirement for # 42-B). 85-107

44-C. Measurable objectives (see requirement for #42-C). 85-107

44-D. Related activities (see requirement for #42-D). 349-380

44-E. Budgets (see requirement for #42-E). 111-113, 468-477

45 Imperiled species, habitat maintenance, enhancement, restoration or population restoration

259.032(10) & 253.034(5)

45-A. Management needs, problems and a desired outcome (see requirement for # 42-A). ↓ 60-111





46 ***Quantitative data description of the land regarding an inventory of exotic and invasive plants and associated acreage. See footnote. 253.034(5) 31-38

47 Place the Arthropod Control Plan in an appendix. If one does not exist, provide a statement as to what arrangement exists between the local mosquito control district and the management unit.

BOT requirement via lease language 478

48 Exotic and invasive species maintenance and control

259.032(10) & 253.034(5)






Section E: Water Resources


Appendix

49

A statement as to whether the property is within and/or adjacent to an aquatic preserve or a designated area of critical state concern or an area under study for such designation. If yes, provide a list of the appropriate managing agencies that have been notified of the proposed plan.

43

18-2.018 & 18-2.021


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50

Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding water resources, including water classification for each water body and the identification of any such water body that is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water under Rule 62-302.700, F.A.C.

18-2.021 43

51 Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding swamps, marshes and other wetlands.

18-2.021 28-30, 43

52 ***Quantitative description of the land regarding an inventory of hydrological features and associated acreage. See footnote. 253.034(5) 26, 28-30, 43

53 Hydrological Preservation and Restoration 259.032(10) & 253.034(5)



53-C. Measurable objectives (see requirement for #42-C). 85-107 53-D. Related activities (see requirement for #42-D). 28-30, 43 53-E. Budgets (see requirement for #42-E). 111-113, 468-477

Section F: Historical, Archeological and Cultural Resources


Appendix

54

**Location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and non-renewable resources of the property regarding archeological and historical resources. Include maps of all cultural resources except Native American sites, unless such sites are major points of interest that are open to public visitation.

18-2.018, 18-2.021 & per DHR’s request 46, 73, 465-467

55 ***Quantitative data description of the land regarding an inventory of significant land, cultural or historical features and associated acreage.

253.034(5) 46, 73, 465-467

56 A description of actions the agency plans to take to locate and identify unknown resources such as surveys of unknown archeological and historical resources.

18-2.021 46, 73, 91, 465-

467

57 Cultural and Historical Resources 259.032(10) & 253.034(5)

57-A. Management needs, problems and a desired outcome (see requirement for # 42-A). ↓

46, 73, 91, 465-467





**While maps of Native American sites should not be included in the body of the management plan, the DSL urges each managing agency to provide such information to the Division of Historical Resources for inclusion in their proprietary database. This information should be available for access to new managers to assist them in developing, implementing and coordinating their management activities.


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Section G: Facilities (Infrastructure, Access, Recreation) Item # Requirement Statute/Rule

Page Numbers and/or Appendix

58 ***Quantitative data description of the land regarding an inventory of infrastructure and associated acreage. See footnote. 253.034(5) 75

59 Capital Facilities and Infrastructure 259.032(10) & 253.034(5)

59-A. Management needs, problems and a desired outcome (see requirement for # 42-A). ↓ 74, 92, 108-111

59-B. Detailed description of both short and long-term management goals (see requirement for # 42-B). 92

59-C. Measurable objectives (see requirement for #42-C). 92 59-D. Related activities (see requirement for #42-D). 74, 92, 108-111 59-E. Budgets (see requirement for #42-E). 111-113, 468-477

60 *** Quantitative data description of the land regarding an inventory of recreational facilities and associated acreage. 253.034(5) 74

61 Public Access and Recreational Opportunities 259.032(10) & 253.034(5)


61-B. Detailed description of both short and long-term management goals (see requirement for # 42-B). 89

61-C. Measurable objectives (see requirement for #42-C). 89

61-D. Related activities (see requirement for #42-D). 68-72, 89, 108-111


Section H: Other/ Managing Agency Tools


Appendix

62 Place this LMP Compliance Checklist at the front of the plan. ARC and managing agency consensus v-xii

63 Place the Executive Summary at the front of the LMP. Include a physical description of the land. ARC and 253.034(5) iii

64 If this LMP is a 10-year update, note the accomplishments since the drafting of the last LMP set forth in an organized (categories or bullets) format.

ARC consensus 52-59

65 Key management activities necessary to achieve the desired outcomes regarding other appropriate resource management. 259.032(10) 60-111


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66

Summary budget for the scheduled land management activities of the LMP including any potential fees anticipated from public or private entities for projects to offset adverse impacts to imperiled species or such habitat, which fees shall be used to restore, manage, enhance, repopulate, or acquire imperiled species habitat for lands that have or are anticipated to have imperiled species or such habitat onsite. The summary budget shall be prepared in such a manner that it facilitates computing an aggregate of land management costs for all state-managed lands using the categories described in s. 259.037(3) which are resource management, administration, support, capital improvements, recreation visitor services, law enforcement activities.

253.034(5) 111-113, 468-477

67 Cost estimate for conducting other management activities which would enhance the natural resource value or public recreation value for which the lands were acquired, include recommendations for cost-effective methods in accomplishing those activities.

259.032(10) 111-113, 468-477

68 A statement of gross income generated, net income and expenses. 18-2.018 111-113, 468-477

*** = The referenced inventories shall be of such detail that objective measures and benchmarks can be established for each tract of land and monitored during the lifetime of the plan. All quantitative data collected shall be aggregated, standardized, collected, and presented in an electronic format to allow for uniform management reporting and analysis. The information collected by the DEP pursuant to s. 253.0325(2) shall be available to the land manager and his or her assignee.


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Table of Contents 1 Introduction and General Information ............................................................................. 1

1.1 Management Plan Purpose ........................................................................................ 2

1.1.1 FWC Planning Philosophy .................................................................................. 3

1.2 Location ...................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Acquisition .................................................................................................................. 7

1.4 Management Authority .............................................................................................. 8

1.5 Management Directives ............................................................................................. 8

1.6 Title Interest and Encumbrances .............................................................................. 9

1.7 Proximity to Other Public Conservation Lands ........................................................ 9

1.8 Adjacent Land Uses ...................................................................................................11

1.9 Public Involvement ....................................................................................................12

2 Natural and Cultural Resources ......................................................................................15

2.1 Physiography .............................................................................................................15

2.1.1 Climate ...............................................................................................................15

2.1.2 Topography .........................................................................................................15

2.1.3 Soils ....................................................................................................................15

2.1.4 Geologic Conditions ............................................................................................16

2.2 Vegetation ..................................................................................................................19

2.2.1 FNAI Natural Community Descriptions ...........................................................26

2.2.2 Forest Resources ................................................................................................30

2.3 Fish and Wildlife Resources ......................................................................................32

2.3.1 Integrated Wildlife Habitat Ranking System ....................................................40

2.3.2 Imperiled Species ...............................................................................................41

2.3.3 FWC Wildlife Observations and FNAI Element Occurrences ..........................45

2.4 Native Landscapes ....................................................................................................45

2.5 Water Resources ........................................................................................................45

2.6 Beaches and Dunes ...................................................................................................46

2.7 Mineral Resources .....................................................................................................46

2.8 Cultural Resources ....................................................................................................46

2.9 Scenic Resources ........................................................................................................47

Management Plan Compliance Checklist - Conservation Lands.xlsx


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3 Uses of the Property .........................................................................................................47

3.1 Previous Use and Development ................................................................................47

3.2 Current Use of the Property......................................................................................49

3.3 Single- or Multiple-use Management .......................................................................50

3.4 Acreage That Should Be Declared Surplus ..............................................................52

4 Accomplished Objectives from the ECWMA Management Plan 2002 – 2012 ................52

5 Management Activities and Intent ..................................................................................60

5.1 Land Management Review ........................................................................................60

5.2 Adaptive Management ..............................................................................................61

5.3 Habitat Restoration and Improvement .....................................................................62

5.4 Fish and Wildlife Management, Imperiled and Focal Species Habitat Maintenance, Enhancement, Restoration, or Population Restoration ......................................................66

5.5 Exotic and Invasive Species Maintenance and Control ...........................................68

5.6 Public Access and Recreational Opportunities .........................................................69

5.7 Hydrological Preservation and Restoration ..............................................................73

5.8 Forest Resource Management ...................................................................................74

5.9 Cultural and Historical Resources ............................................................................74

5.10 Capital Facilities and Infrastructure ........................................................................74

5.11 Land Conservation and Stewardship Partnerships .................................................77

5.12 Research Opportunities .............................................................................................79

5.13 Cooperative Management and Special Uses .............................................................81

5.14 Climate Change .........................................................................................................82

5.15 Soil and Water Conservation ....................................................................................84

6 Resource Management Goals and Objectives ..................................................................86

6.1 Habitat Restoration and Improvement .....................................................................86

6.2 Imperiled and Focal Species Habitat Maintenance, Enhancement, Restoration, or Population Restoration ........................................................................................................87

6.3 Other Wildlife (Game and Nongame) Habitat Maintenance, Enhancement, Restoration, or Population Restoration ...............................................................................88

6.4 Exotic and Invasive Species Maintenance and Control ...........................................89

6.5 Public Access and Recreational Opportunities .........................................................90

6.6 Hydrological Preservation and Restoration ..............................................................91


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6.7 Forest Resource Management ...................................................................................92

6.8 Cultural and Historical Resources ............................................................................92

6.9 Capital Facilities and Infrastructure ........................................................................93

6.10 Land Conservation and Stewardship Partnerships .................................................94

6.11 Climate Change .........................................................................................................95

6.12 Research Opportunities .............................................................................................96

7 Schedule: Timelines for Completion of Resource Management Goals and Objectives ..96

8 Resource Management Challenges and Strategies ....................................................... 109

9 Cost Estimates and Funding Sources ............................................................................ 112

10 Analysis of Potential for Contracting Private Vendors for Restoration and Management Activities.......................................................................................................... 115

11 Compliance with Federal, State, and Local Governmental Requirements ............... 115

12 Endnotes ..................................................................................................................... 116

13 Appendices .................................................................................................................. 118

13.1 Lease Agreement ..................................................................................................... 118

13.2 Public Input ............................................................................................................. 228

13.3 Land Management Review ...................................................................................... 302

13.4 Soil Series Descriptions ........................................................................................... 315

13.5 FNAI Element Occurrence Data Usage Letter ....................................................... 341

13.6 FWC Agency Strategic Plan .................................................................................... 343

13.7 Prescribed Burn Plan .............................................................................................. 350

13.8 WCPR Strategy ....................................................................................................... 382

13.9 FWC Apiary Policy .................................................................................................. 438

13.10 Archeological and Historical Resources .............................................................. 465

13.11 Operation Plan Fiscal Year 2014-2015................................................................ 471

13.12 Arthropod Control Plan ....................................................................................... 481

13.13 Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach County Letters of Compliance with Local Government Comprehensive Plan ........................................................................... 494


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Table of Figures

Figure 1: The Location of the ECWMA .................................................................................... 5 Figure 2: The ECWMA and the Public Land Survey System ................................................. 6 Figure 3: Large Conservation Lands and Florida Forever Projects Near ECWMA ..............13 Figure 4: ECWMA Soils .........................................................................................................17 Figure 5: Depth to Water Table ..............................................................................................18 Figure 6: Community Types Found on the ECWMA .............................................................31 Figure 7: Integrated Wildlife Habitat Ranking System ........................................................43 Figure 8: FWC Wildlife Observations and FNAI Element Occurrences ...............................44 Figure 9: ECWMA Facilities ..................................................................................................75 Figure 10: Optimal Conservation Planning Boundary ...........................................................80 Figure 11: Potential Sea Level Rise ........................................................................................85 Figure 12: ECWMA Management Objectives ....................................................................... 108

Table of Tables

Table 1: Florida Forever Projects within 15 miles of ECWMA .............................................. 9 Table 2: Conservation Lands within five miles of ECWMA ................................................... 9 Table 3: Native Plant Species Observed on the ECWMA.......................................................19 Table 4: Rare Plant Species Observed on the ECWMA ..........................................................25 Table 5: Exotic Invasive Plant Species Observed on the ECWMA ........................................25 Table 6: Natural Community Types Found on the ECWMA..................................................27 Table 7: Mammal Species Observed on the ECWMA .............................................................32 Table 8: Reptile and Amphibian Species Observed on the ECWMA .....................................32 Table 9: Fish Species Observed on the ECWMA ....................................................................34 Table 10: Bird Species Observed on the ECWMA ..................................................................35 Table 11: Non-Native Animals Observed at ECWMA ............................................................39 Table 12: Rare and Imperiled Wildlife Species Occurring On or Near the ECWMA ............41 Table 13: Focal Species Modeled to Have Potential Habitat on the ECWMA .......................42 Table 16: ECWMA Management Plan One-Year Cost Estimate ......................................... 113 Table 17: ECWMA Management Plan Ten-Year Cost Estimate .......................................... 114


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1 Introduction and General Information The Everglades ecosystem, at the southern tip of Florida, contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere, the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie, and the most significant breeding ground for wading birds in North America. Understandably, Florida's Everglades is the largest wetland and subtropical wilderness in the United States, and is a rare ecological resource. The Everglades is an internationally recognized ecosystem of vast sawgrass prairies and tree islands. These habitats support a great diversity of plants and wildlife found nowhere else. Historically, the Everglades covered almost 3 million acres.

Emanating from a system of wetlands, lakes and rivers fed by rain water that begins with the Kissimmee chain of lakes south of Orlando and flows through Lake Okeechobee, Everglades National Park (ENP, designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations), the Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP), and south to the tip of the Florida peninsula, as well as east and west towards the coasts, this landscape, often referred to as the “River of Grass’’, has been the focus of both intensive development and conservation during much of Florida’s history. Together with the ENP and BCNP and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (ARMLNWR), the Everglades Complex of Wildlife Management Areas (ECWMA) forms the largest remaining expanse of the River of Grass. Spanning over fifty miles from southern Palm Beach County through western Broward County and northwestern Miami-Dade County, the ECWMA is comprised of approximately 736,881 acres and includes the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area (EWMA), the Holey Land Wildlife Management Area (HWMA), and the Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area (RWMA) (Figure 1).

Conserving critically important elements of the Everglades ecosystem and providing essential habitat for the wildlife species that inhabit the area, the ECWMA is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for land stewardship, fish and wildlife conservation, and fish and wildlife-based public outdoor recreation. The FWC maintains a cooperative agreement with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for wildlife and recreational management to provide recreational hunting opportunities on lands titled to the SFWMD within the ECWMA. The FWC also cooperates with the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida in the management of these areas as the Miccosukee Tribe has been granted perpetual lease rights and control over 189,000 acres within the ECWMA and continues to use the land for camps, religious rituals, and subsistence hunting and fishing.

The EWMA is comprised of areas within Water Conservation Areas (WCA) 2 and 3, and is the southern and central core of the ECWMA. The EWMA is comprised of 671,831 acres and is characterized by a vast landscape of sawgrass marsh, freshwater slough, wet prairie, and upland tree island habitat. Situated above the northwest corner of EWMA, the RWMA


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is comprised of 29,700 acres of Everglades ecosystem, and includes sawgrass marsh, freshwater slough, cattail, wet prairie, shrubs, and upland tree island habitat. The RWMA was named for Ray Rotenberger who constructed a small camp and airfield there during the late 1950s or early 1960s. The final unit of the complex, HWMA, lies directly to the east of RWMA and is composed of approximately 35,350 acres of Everglades ecosystem,

characterized by a marsh of dense sawgrass with scattered shrubs, upland tree islands, wet prairie, cattail marsh, and freshwater sloughs. The HWMA derived its name from reports that it was used as a practice bombing range during World War II and is pocked with bomb craters. However, these depressions may also be the result of natural phenomena.

Through its management of the ECWMA, the FWC works to conserve and restore natural wildlife habitat for an array of endemic, imperiled, and other native wildlife including the Florida panther, snail kite and wood stork, among others, while also providing high-quality opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and other fish and wildlife-based public outdoor recreation opportunities.

1.1 Management Plan Purpose This Management Plan serves as the basic statement of policy and direction for the management of the ECWMA. It provides information including the past usage, conservation acquisition history, and descriptions of the natural and cultural resources found on the ECWMA. Furthermore, it identifies FWC’s future management intent, goals and associated short and long-term objectives, as well as identifying challenges and solutions. This Management Plan has been developed to guide each aspect of the ECWMA’s management for the next ten years.

This Management Plan is submitted for review to the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) acting on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Board of Trustees) of the State of Florida through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of State Lands (DSL), in compliance with paragraph seven of Lease No. 3581 (Appendix 13.1) and pursuant to Chapters 253 and 259, Florida


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Statutes (FS), and Chapters 18-2 and 18-4, Florida Administrative Code (FAC). Format and content were drafted in accordance with ARC requirements for management plans and the model plan outline provided by the staff of DSL. Terms (Appendix 13.11) used in this Management Plan describing management activities and associated measurable goals and objectives conform to those developed for the Land Management Uniform Accounting Council Biennial Land Management Operational Report.

1.1.1 FWC Planning Philosophy FWC’s planning philosophy includes emphasizing management recommendation consensus-building among stakeholders and input from user groups and the general public at the beginning of the planning process. FWC engages stakeholders by convening a Management Advisory Group (MAG) and solicits additional input from user groups and the general public at a public hearing (Appendix 13.2). FWC also engages area, district, and regional agency staff, as well as other FWC staff expertise, in developing this Management Plan, thereby facilitating area biologist and manager “ownership” of the Management Plan, and thus the development of meaningful management intent language, goals with associated measurable objectives, timelines for completion, and the identification of challenges and solution strategies for inclusion in the ECWMA Management Plan (Sections 5 – 8).

Further management planning input is received through Land Management Reviews (LMR) conducted every five years, which includes a review of the previous Management Plan, as well as a field review of the ECWMA. The LMR report (Section 5.1, Appendix 13.3) provides FWC staff with important information and guidance provided by a diverse team of land management auditors, and communicates the recommendations of the LMR team to FWC so they may be adequately addressed in this Management Plan, and thus guide the implementation of the LMR team recommendations on the ECWMA.

Furthermore, FWC maintains transparency and accountability throughout the development and implementation of this Management Plan. A “living document” concept, linking this updated Management Plan to the previous one, is accomplished by reporting on the objectives, management activities, and projects accomplished over the last planning timeframe (previous ten years; see Section 4), thereby ensuring agency accountability through time. Also, in an effort to remain adaptive for the duration of this Management Plan, continuous input and feedback will be collected from FWC staff, stakeholders, user groups, and other interested parties and individuals. As needed, amendments to this Management Plan will be presented to DSL and ARC for review and consideration.


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1.2 Location As previously noted, the ECWMA consists of three separate WMAs distributed over roughly 50 miles of southern Palm Beach, western Broward, and northwestern Miami-Dade counties (Figures 1 and 2). The EWMA is located in southern Palm Beach, western Broward, and northwestern Miami-Dade counties approximately 15 miles west of Miami, 10 miles west of Ft. Lauderdale and 10 miles southwest of Boca Raton. The HWMA is in southwestern Palm Beach County, north of WCA 3 and on the eastern side of the Miami Canal. The HWMA is adjacent to the RWMA and to the northern boundary of the EWMA. Fort Lauderdale is located 40 miles southeast, Boca Raton is 30 miles east, and both the cities of South Bay and Belle Glade are 12 miles north. The RWMA is adjacent to the HWMA and to the northern boundary of the EWMA, and is on the western side of the Miami Canal. The RWMA is located in southwestern Palm Beach County.

The ECWMA is part of an extensive network of conservation lands, including lands managed by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Federal properties adjacent to the ECWMA include BCNP to the west, ENP to the south and ARMLNWR (WCA 1) to the northeast. The ECWMA also borders land managed by the SFWMD, including several stormwater treatment areas (STAs). A number of smaller parcels in public ownership, managed by cities and counties, are scattered to the east. Other surrounding lands include the Everglades Agricultural Area, additional agricultural areas, and significant urban development to the east.


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Figure 1: The Location of the ECWMA


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Figure 2: The ECWMA and the Public Land Survey System


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1.3 Acquisition

1.3.1 Purpose for Acquisition of the Property In 1973, the Florida Legislature passed the Big Cypress Conservation Act (F.S. 380.055), which contributed 40 million dollars for acquisition within the BCNP which lies adjacent to ECWMA. In 1983, Governor Bob Graham initiated the "Save Our Everglades" program. This program was designed to improve environmental conditions in the Everglades ecosystem through hydrologic restoration. Save Our Rivers (SOR) legislation calls for the management and maintenance of lands acquired with SOR funds in an "environmentally acceptable manner, and to the extent practicable, in such a way as to restore and protect their natural state and condition." This legislation encourages the use of SOR lands for public outdoor recreational activities compatible with the primary goal of environmental protection and enhancement.

Three of the initiatives of the SOR program directly affected the management of the ECWMA: (1) Initiative 3 required hydrologic restoration of the Holey Land and Rotenberger Tracts; (2) Initiative 4 required FWC to manage the ECWMA deer herd at a level that could survive moderate flooding conditions; and (3) Initiative 5 incorporated hydrological improvements in the conversion of State Road 84 to Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley). In continuation of these previous actions regarding acquisition and restoration within the Everglades Ecosystem, the Florida Legislature passed the "Everglades Forever Act" in 1994. This legislation [Chapter 373.4592(1) (a), F.S.] states: "The Legislature finds that the Everglades ecological system not only contributes to South Florida's water supply, flood control, and recreation, but serves as the habitat for diverse species of wildlife and plant life. The system is unique in the world and one of Florida's great treasures. The Everglades ecological system is endangered as a result of adverse changes in water quality, and in the quantity, distribution, and timing of flows, and, therefore, must be restored and protected." The act provided for land acquisition in support of ecosystem restoration initiatives. Among these are: (1) the creation of STAs; (2) establishment of water quality standards for water entering the Everglades ecosystem; and (3) implementation by the agricultural community of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce phosphorous inputs into the Everglades drainage basin.

Collectively, the Save Our Everglades program, the Everglades Forever Act, along with Chapters 259 and 253, F. S., as outlined above, set forth the purposes for which lands within the ECWMA are to be restored and managed.

The ECWMA is managed by FWC for the purpose of operating a Wildlife Management Area, providing ecological diversity, providing managed habitat for both common and imperiled wildlife, and for providing the public with fish and wildlife-oriented outdoor recreational opportunities.


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1.3.2 Acquisition History The State of Florida acquired title to much of the public land encompassed within the ECWMA under the federal Swamp and Overflowed Lands Act of 1850. The WCAs were constructed primarily to provide flood protection to adjacent agricultural and urban areas, and to serve as a source of fresh water for the heavily populated Gold Coast. Secondary considerations included the need to manage the area to benefit fish and wildlife, and to provide public recreation.

Additional lands acquired by the State within the ECWMA have been acquired through the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program (Land Conservation Act of 1972) and through the Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Program (Chapters 253 and 259, F.S.), as well as the Preservation 2000 (P-2000) and Florida Forever Land Acquisition programs. The first portion of the RWMA (6,300 acres) was purchased

by the state under the EEL program in 1975. As noted above, subsequent acquisitions by the State were acquired under the CARL, P-2000 and Florida Forever programs.

1.4 Management Authority FWC is the designated lead managing agency for the ECWMA under the authority granted by Lease Number 3581 from the Board of Trustees agent, DSL. Further management authority derives from Article IV, Section 9 of the Florida Constitution as well as the guidance and directives of Chapters 253, 259, 327, 370, 372, 373, 375, 378, 403, 487, 870, and 597 and of the F.S. These constitutional provisions and laws provide FWC the authority to protect, conserve, and manage the State’s fish and wildlife resources.

1.5 Management Directives The 50-year Board of Trustees’ Lease Agreement Number 3581 directs FWC to “manage the leased premises only for the conservation and protection of natural and historical resources and resource-based, public outdoor recreation which is compatible with the conservation and protection of these public lands, as set forth in subsection 253.023(11), FS...” The lease agreement further directs FWC to "implement applicable Best Management Practices for all activities under this lease in compliance with paragraph 18-2.018(2)(h), FAC, which have been selected, developed, or approved by lessor, lessee, or other land managing agencies for the protection and enhancement of the leased premises.”


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1.6 Title Interest and Encumbrances As State-owned lands, title to the ECWMA is vested in the Board of Trustees (Governor and Cabinet). In 1952, the DSL, as staff to the Board of Trustees, entered into Lease Agreement Number 3581, a 50 year lease agreement, granting FWC management authority for ECWMA. Additionally, the FWC also entered into a Cooperative and Management Agreement with the SFWMD in 1952 that establishes cooperative management authority for the proprietary and management interests the SFWMD has to lands within the EWMA. These lands include WCA 2 (Areas 2A and 2B, inclusive) and WCA 3 (Areas 3A and 3B, inclusive), as described in the January 15, 1964, Addendum to the original 1952 agreement between the FWC and SFWMD (Appendix 13.1).

The properties managed by the FWC within the ECWMA are also subject to existing easements, rights-of-way, and other outstanding mineral rights. Owners of some private inholdings have retained mineral rights. An underground oil pipeline currently crosses WCA3, north of Alligator Alley, from east to west. This pipeline ruptured in several locations during 1986, causing oil spills along a five-mile stretch near U.S. 27. Additionally, much of the land acquired for the RWMA also has outstanding private mineral reservations.

1.7 Proximity to Other Public Conservation Lands As referenced earlier, the ECWMA is located in the vicinity of a large number of publicly owned conservation areas and several Florida Forever projects. Tables 1 and 2 list the Florida Forever projects within 15 miles of the ECWMA and conservation lands within a 5 miles of the ECWMA, respectively. The lands listed here are shown in figure 3.

Most of the conservation lands listed in Table 2 are owned in full-fee by a public entity. However, some of these areas fall within a less-than-fee ownership classification where the land is owned and managed by a private landowner, while a public agency or not-for-profit organization holds a conservation easement on the land.

Table 1: Florida Forever Projects within 15 miles of ECWMA Project Name Acres Dade County Archipelago 77 Devil's Garden 82,995 Panther Glades 64,809 Save our Everglades 217,678

Table 2: Conservation Lands within five miles of ECWMA

Federal Government Managing Agency Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge US FWS Everglades National Park US NPS


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Big Cypress National Preserve US NPS

Water Management District Managing Agency Everglades Agricultural Area SFWMD Deer Fence Canal SFWMD River of Grass SFWMD Stormwater Treatment Areas SFWMD

Local Government Managing Agency Long Key Natural Area Broward County Tall Cypress Natural Area Broward County Woodmont Natural Area Broward County Cypress Gateway Preserve City of Coral Springs Kiwanis Park Natural Area City of Coral Springs Pine Flats Preserve City of Coral Springs Red Lichen Sanctuary City of Coral Springs Sherwood Forest Park City of Coral Springs Whispering Woods City of Coral Springs Woodside Estates Park City of Coral Springs Hampton Pines Park City of North Lauderdale Doris Davis Forman Wilderness Preserve City of Parkland Holmberg Road Natural Area City of Parkland Parkland Greenway City of Parkland Ternbridge Preserve City of Parkland Terramar Park Natural Area City of Parkland Chapel Trail Nature Preserve City of Pembroke Pines West Pines Soccer Park and Nature Preserve City of Pembroke Pines Volunteer Park Addition City of Plantation Sawgrass Sanctuary City of Sunrise Preservation Park City of Tamarac Swim Central Park City of Tamarac Water’s Edge Park City of Tamarac Milton E. Thompson Park Miami-Dade County Trail Glades Range Miami-Dade County Tree Island Park Miami-Dade County South County Regional Park Palm Beach County Van Kirk Town of Davie

Calusa Corners Park Town of Southwest Ranches

Country Estates Open Space and Fishing Hole Park Town of Southwest Ranches

Frontier Trails Park and Rookery Town of Southwest Ranches

Rolling Oaks Town of Southwest Ranches


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Southwest Meadows Sanctuary Town of Southwest Ranches

Private/Public Conservation Organization Managing Agency

Big Cypress Mitigation Bank Earthmark Companies, LLC

Miccosukee Reservation Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida

1.8 Adjacent Land Uses Miami-Dade County, Broward County and Palm Beach County, where the ECWMA is located, are among the most heavily-developed counties in south Florida, supporting thriving housing, financial, tourism and agricultural industries. Approximately seven million people live in the sprawling metropolitan area within Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, which is predominately concentrated east of the ECWMA. As detailed above, the southern, western and northeastern boundary of the area borders public conservation lands. While the Everglades Agricultural Area, an extensive agricultural area that produces sugar cane and other vegetable crops, is situated on the northwest border of the ECWMA.

Many of the sites either acquired or adjacent to the ECWMA have historically been used for drainage, grazing, citrus culture or other agricultural uses. Developments for these purposes have resulted in improved pastures, drainage ditches, levees, canals and other such landform modifications. Adjacent zoning/land use classifications are slightly varied and range from conservation areas to parks and preserves to designated WCAs.

Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties’ Comprehensive Land Use Plans have varying, although somewhat similar, zoning designations for ECWMA lands. Some of the designations include: conservation, WCAs, and parks and preserves as listed in the current zoning and future land use component of each respective county’s comprehensive plans. The WCA lands designation refers to areas designated for the purpose of conserving or protecting natural resources or environmental quality, and includes areas designated for purposes such as flood control, protection of quality or quantity of groundwater or surface water, floodplain management, fisheries management, or protection of vegetative communities or wildlife habitats.

The ECWMA is not within an area of critical state concern or presently under study for such designation.

Acronym Key Agency Name SFWMD South Florida Water Management District USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife USNPS United States National Park Service


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1.9 Public Involvement FWC conducted a MAG meeting in Coconut Creek, Florida on April 23, 2013 to obtain input from both public and private stakeholders regarding management of the ECWMA. Results of this meeting were used by FWC to develop management goals and objectives and to identify opportunities and strategies for inclusion in this Management Plan. A summary of issues and opportunities raised by the ECWMA MAG, as well as a listing of participants, is included as Appendix 13.2. In addition, the FWC held a public hearing, as required by Chapter 259.032(10), FS, in Davie, Florida on July 11, 2013. The report of the ECWMA Public Hearing is also contained in Appendix 13.2. A website is also maintained for receipt of public input at http://myfwc.com/conservation/terrestrial/management-plans/develop-mps/. Further testimony and input is received at a public hearing held by the ARC when the ECWMA Management Plan is considered for approval. Input received from all public involvement efforts has been considered in the development of this Management Plan.


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http://myfwc.com/conservation/terrestrial/management-plans/develop-mps/

http://myfwc.com/conservation/terrestrial/management-plans/develop-mps/

Figure 3: Large Conservation Lands and Florida Forever Projects Near ECWMA


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2 Natural and Cultural Resources

2.1 Physiography

2.1.1 Climate The climate of the ECWMA is subtropical maritime with a moderately warm dry season (November-April) and a hot and humid wet season (May-October). Mean annual temperature is 75° F. Killing frosts occur on an average of about once every five years, but winter temperatures seldom drop below 30° F. Annual rainfall averages 55-60 inches per year with 75-85% of the total precipitation occurring during the summer rainy season. Along with the agricultural and urban demands, the area often oscillates between drought and flood conditions.

2.1.2 Topography The ECWMA is part of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades basin. There is minimal relief, with gradually decreasing elevations from north to south (approximately 0.2 feet per mile). The ECWMA is interspersed with tree islands with elevation that range from a few inches to three or four feet above the surrounding marsh. These tree islands range in size from a few square feet to 300 acres or more.

Much of the topography of HWMA and RWMA has been changed by the subsidence of organic peat soils caused by oxidation and combustion of the dry muck. Muck fires have caused localized areas of low elevation and in some areas the limestone substrate has been exposed. These areas also create a ponding effect whenever the area is saturated by rainfall.

2.1.3 Soils Peaty mucks are the dominant substrates of the ECWMA. These level, poorly drained organic soils are underlain by marl and/or limestone. Soils occurring within the ECWMA fall within four distinct series shown in Figure 4. The soil depth to the water table is shown in Figure 5. The soil series are described as based upon information from the Natural Resources Conservation Service as follows:

Immokalee series: These soils are deep and very deep, poorly drained and very poorly drained soils that formed in sandy marine sediments. They occur on flatwoods and in depressions of Peninsular Florida, on slopes that are dominantly 0 to 2 percent, but range to 5 percent adjacent to swamps, ponds, marshes, and lakes.

Lauderhill series: These soils are very poorly drained and range from 16-36 inches thick over limestone. Lauderhill soils formed in organic deposits of freshwater marshes, and occur in freshwater marshes of Southern Peninsular Florida where the water table is at or above the surface for much of the year.


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Ochopee series: These soils consist of shallow, poorly drained, moderately rapidly permeable soils over hard limestone. These soils are formed in calcareous, loamy marine deposits, and occur on less than 2 percent slopes. Under natural conditions the water table is at or near the surface for three to six months, often in native range. They occur in South Central Florida.

Terra Ceia series: These are very deep, poorly drained organic soils that formed from nonwoody fibrous hydrophytic plant remains. They occur mostly in nearly level freshwater marshes and occasionally on river floodplains, and in tidal swamps or flats. Under natural conditions the water table is at or above the surface, except during dry periods. These soils occur extensively in Peninsular Florida.

2.1.4 Geologic Conditions There are some outstanding mineral interests on the lands acquired within ECWMA. The mineral resources of the area are described in Section 2.7 of this Management Plan. The geology of this region represents Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs of the Tertiary Quaternary period. The formation type is shelly sediments of the Plio-Pleistocene age. Mollusk bearing sediments of southern Florida contain some of the most abundant and diverse fossil faunas in the world. The shell beds have attracted much attention due to the abundance and preservation of the fossils but the biostratigraphy and lithostratigraphy of the units has not been well defined. The "formations" previously recognized within the latest Tertiary-Quaternary section of southern Florida include the latest Pliocene - early Pleistocene Caloosahatchee Formation, the early Pleistocene Bermont formation (informal) and the late Pleistocene Fort Thompson Formation. This section consists of fossiliferous sands and carbonates. The identification of these units is problematic unless the significant molluscan species are recognized. Often, exposures are not extensive enough to facilitate the collection of representative faunal samples to properly discern the biostratigraphic identification of the formation. Lithologically these sediments are complex, varying from unconsolidated, variably calcareous and fossiliferous quartz sands to well indurated, sandy, fossiliferous limestones (both marine and freshwater). Clayey sands and sandy clays are present. These sediments form part of the surficial aquifer system.


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Figure 4: ECWMA Soils


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Figure 5: Depth to Water Table


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2.2 Vegetation Most of the ECWMA is a graminoid wetland interspersed with tree islands (hammocks) and willow strands. Tree islands are a unique feature of the Everglades ecosystem. Tropical hardwoods are found on some of the relatively unaltered tree islands in the southern portion of the area. Plant communities that occurred historically in the ECWMA underwent marked changes in the past due to increased drainage alterations, decreased hydroperiod, drought and fire. Some of the communities are dominated by early successional plant species that developed following these disturbances. Many of the plant communities are now beginning to recover from this damage in response to restoration projects, but much remains to be done in order to remedy those impacts and continue restoration of the area.

FWC area biologists, along with contracted surveys through the Florida Natural Areas Iinventory (FNAI), have documented a variety of native plant species that occur on the area (Table 3). Rare and invasive exotic plant species that occur on the ECWMA are listed in tables 4 and 5, respectively.

Through the services of FNAI, the FWC has mapped the natural communities within the ECWMA. The FNAI has documented six natural and anthropogenic community types existing on the ECWMA. These include hydric hammock, prairie hammock, ruderal, slough, strand swamp, and swale (Table 6, Figure 6, Section 2.2.1).

Table 3: Native Plant Species Observed on the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name Airplant Tillandsia spp. Alligator flag Thalia geniculata Amaranth Amaranthus spp. American lotus Nelumbo lutea American pokeweed Phytolacca americana American white waterlily Nymphaea odorata Bald cypress Taxodium distichum Ballmoss Tillandsia recurvata Bandana-of-the-Everglades Canna flaccida Beaksedge Rhynchospora spp. Beggarticks Bidens spp. Big floatingheart Nymphoides aquatica Bighead rush Juncus megacephalus Black olive Terminalia buceras Bladderwort Utricularia sp. Blue mistflower Conoclinium coelestinum Blue porterweed Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum


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Common Name Scientific Name Bristly greenbrier Smilax tamnoides Broadleaf cattail Typha latifolia Broomsedge bluestem Andropogon virginicus Bulltongue arrowhead Sagittaria lancifolia Bunched beaksedge Rhynchospora cephalantha Bushy bluestem Andropogon glomeratus Butterweed Packera glabella Cabbage palm Sabal palmetto Calloose grape Vitis shuttleworthii Camphorweed Pluchea spp. Carolina redroot Lachnanthes caroliniana Carolina willow Salix caroliniana Chapman's arrowhead Sagittaria graminea var. chapmanii Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea Climbing aster Symphyotrichum carolinianum Climbing hempvine Mikania scandens Clustered beaksedge Rhynchospora glomerata Coast cockspur grass Echinochloa walteri Coco plum Chrysobalanus icaco Common arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia Common buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Common ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia Common reed Phragmites australis Common wild pine Tillandsia fasciculata Coralbean Erythrina herbacea Corkystem passionflower Passiflora suberosa Creeping cucumber Melothria pendula Creeping primrose-willow Ludwigia repens Crowngrass Paspalum sp. Dahoon holly Ilex cassine Danglepod Sesbania herbacea Dog fennel Eupatorium capillifolium Dotted smartweed Polygonum punctatum Duckweed Lemna sp. Eastern gamagrass Tripsacum dactyloides Eastern poison ivy Toxicodendron radicans Elderberry Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis False mastic Sideroxylon foetidissimum False nettle Boehmeria cylindrica Fanpetals Sida spp.


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Common Name Scientific Name Fewflower beaksedge Rhynchospora rariflora Firebush Hamelia patens Fireweed Erechtites hieraciifolius Flatsedge Cyperus spp. Flattened pipewort Eriocaulon compressum Florida butterfly orchid Encyclia tampensis Florida fishpoison tree Piscidia piscipula Florida grape Vitis cinerea var. floridana Florida pellitory Parietaria floridana Florida yellow bladderwort Utricularia floridana Fogfruit Phyla nodiflora Fourleaf vetch Vicia acutifolia Fragrant beaksedge Rhynchospora odorata Gallberry Ilex glabra Giant bulrush Schoenoplectus californicus Giant leather fern Acrostichum danaeifolium Golden polypody Phlebodium aureum Goldenrod Solidago spp. Grassy arrowhead Sagittaria graminea Green arrow arum Peltandra virginica Groundnut Apios americana Groundsel tree Baccharis halimifolia Gulf Coast spikerush Eleocharis cellulosa Gumbo limbo Bursera simaruba Hackberry Celtis laevigata Hairypod cowpea Vigna luteola Hedge false bindweed Calystegia sepium subsp. limnophila Herb-of-grace Bacopa monnieri Hottentot fern Thelypteris interrupta Illinois pondweed Potamogeton illinoensis Juba’s bush Iresine diffusa Knotted spikerush Eleocharis interstincta Knotweed Polygonum spp. Largeflower primrose-willow Ludwigia grandiflora Laurel greenbrier Smilax laurifolia Leafy bladderwort Utricularia foliosa Lemon bacopa Bacopa caroliniana Littlewoman Salvia serotina Live oak Quercus virginiana Lizard's tail Saururus cernuus


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Common Name Scientific Name Maidencane Panicum hemitomon Mangrove spiderlily Hymenocallis latifolia Manyflower marshpennywort Hydrocotyle umbellata Marsh fern Thelypteris palustris var. pubescens Marsh mermaidweed Proserpinaca palustris Milkweed Asclepias spp. Mock bishopsweed Ptilimnium capillaceum Moonflower Ipomoea alba Morning glory Ipomoea spp. Mosquitofern Azolla filiculoides Muscadine Vitis rotundifolia Musky mint Hyptis alata Myrsine Myrsine cubana Narrowfruit horned beaksedge Rhynchospora inundata Narrowleaf yellowtops Flaveria linearis Nettletree Trema micrantha Nightshade Solanum spp. Northern needleleaf Tillandsia balbisiana Nuttall’s thistle Cirsium nuttallii Oakleaf fleabane Erigeron quercifolius Panicgrass Panicum spp. Paradisetree Simarouba glauca Passionflower Passiflora spp. Peppervine Ampelopsis arborea Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata Pigeon plum Coccoloba diversifolia Pine barren flatsedge Cyperus retrorsus Pineland heliotrope Heliotropium polyphyllum Pineland pimpernel Samolus valerandi subsp. parviflorus Pineland water-willow Justicia angusta Pond apple Annona glabra Pond cypress Taxodium ascendens Poor joe Diodia teres Pop ash Fraxinus caroliniana Possum grape Cissus verticillata Purple thistle Cirsium horridulum Red bay Persea borbonia Red maple Acer rubrum Red mulberry Morus rubra Resurrection fern Pleopeltis polypodioides var. michauxiana


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Common Name Scientific Name River sage Salvia misella Rosy camphorweed Pluchea baccharis Rougeplant Rivina humilis Roughhair witchgrass Dichanthelium strigosum var. glabrescens Royal fern Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Saltmarsh fingergrass Eustachys glauca Sand cordgrass Spartina bakeri Sandpiper vervain Verbena scabra Saw greenbrier Smilax bona-nox Sawgrass Cladium jamaicense Sedge Carex spp. Shore rush Juncus marginatus Shortbristle horned beaksedge Rhynchospora corniculata Sixangle foldwing Dicliptera sexangularis Skyflower Hydrolea corymbosa Slash pine Pinus elliottii Smooth beggarticks Bidens laevis Snow squarestem Melanthera nivea Soapberry Sapindus saponaria Soft rush Juncus effusus subsp. solutus Southern beaksedge Rhynchospora microcarpa Southern cattail Typha domingensis Southern cutgrass Leersia hexandra Southern needleleaf Tillandsia setacea Southern shield fern Thelypteris kunthii Spadeleaf Centella asiatica Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides Spatterdock Nuphar advena Spiny waternymph Najas marina Spreading beaksedge Rhynchospora divergens Spurge Poinsettia spp. St. Augustine grass Stenotaphrum secundatum St. John’s-wort Hypericum spp. Starrush whitetop Rhynchospora colorata Stiff marsh bedstraw Galium tinctorium Strangler fig Ficus aurea String lily Crinum americanum Sugarcane plumegrass Saccharum giganteum Summer grape Vitis aestivalis Swamp bay Persea palustris


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Common Name Scientific Name Swamp dock Rumex verticillatus Swamp fern Blechnum serrulatum Swamp rosemallow Hibiscus grandiflorus Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana Sweetscent Pluchea odorata Sword fern Nephrolepis exaltata Tenangle pipewort Eriocaulon decangulare Threadleaf arrowhead Sagittaria filiformis Tracy’s beaksedge Rhynchospora tracyi Umbrellasedge Fuirena spp. Virginia buttonweed Diodia virginiana Virginia chain fern Woodwardia virginica Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia marsh St. John's-wort Triadenum virginicum Virginia saltmarsh mallow Kosteletzkya pentacarpos Washington fan palm Washingtonia robusta Water cowbane Oxypolis filiformis Watermeal Wolffia spp. Wax myrtle Myrica cerifera West Indian mahogany Swietenia mahagoni Whisk fern Psilotum nudum White crownbeard Verbesina virginica White stopper Eugenia axillaris White twinevine Sarcostemma clausum Whitemouth dayflower Commelina erecta Whorled marshpennywort Hydrocotyle verticillata Wild coffee Psychotria nervosa Wild lime Zanthoxylum fagara Wild sage Lantana involucrata Wild tamarind Lysiloma latisiliquum Winged loosestrife Lythrum alatum var. lanceolatum Wood sage Teucrium canadense Woodsgrass Oplismenus hirtellus Yankeeweed Eupatorium compositifolium Yellow waterlily Nymphaea mexicana Yellow-eyed grass Xyris spp.


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Table 4: Rare Plant Species Observed on the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name Balbis’ airplant Tillandsia balbisiana Banded wild-pine Tillandsia flexuosa Chiggery grapes Tournefortia hirsutissima Common wild-pine Roystonea regia Florida royal palm Roystonea regia Giant sword fern Trichostigma o Hoop vine Trichostigma octandrum Meadow jointvetch Aeschynomene pratensis Satinleaf Chrysophyllum oliviforme Soft-leaved wild-pine Tillandsia variabilis Spreading airplant Tillandsia utriculata

Table 5: Exotic Invasive Plant Species Observed on the ECWMA Common Name Scientific Name Alligator-weed Alternanthera philoxeroides Arrowhead vine Syngonium podophyllum Australian pine Casuarina equisetifolia Australian umbrella tree Schefflera actinophylla Balsam apple Momordica charantia Banana Musa spp. Bishopwood Bischofia javanica Bottlebrush Callistemon viminalis Bowstring hemp Sansevieria hyacinthoides Brazilian pepper Schinus terebinthifolius Burma-reed Neyraudia reynaudiana Caesarweed Urena lobata Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides Castorbean Ricinus communis Chinese ladder brake fern Pteris vittata Climbing cassia Senna pendula Cretan brake Pteris cretica Coconut palm Cocos nucifera Cuban bulrush Oxycaryum cubense Day jessamine Cestrum diurnum Durban crowfootgrass Dactyloctenium aegyptium Earleaf acacia Acacia auriculiformis Giant brake fern Pteris tripartita Green shrimp plant Ruellia blechum Guava Psidium guajava


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Table 5: Exotic Invasive Plant Species Observed on the ECWMA Common Name Scientific Name Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata Java plum Syzygium cumini Jungleflame Ixora spp. Lantana Lantana camara Largeflower Mexican clover Richardia grandiflora Laurel fig Ficus microcarpa Lawn orchid Zeuxine strateumatica Mahoe Talipariti tiliaceum Melaleuca Melaleuca quinquenervia Napier-grass Pennisetum purpureum Old World climbing fern Lygodium microphyllum Papaya Carica papaya Para-grass Urochloa mutica Peruvian primrose-willow Ludwigia peruviana Ponytail palm Beaucarnea recurvata Rose natalgrass Melinis repens Royal poinciana Delonix regia Septicweed Senna occidentalis Simpleleaf bushweed Flueggea virosa Smutgrass Sporobolus indicus Soapwort Saponaria officinalis Sour orange Citrus x aurantium Spanish sage Salvia hispanica Strawberry guava Psidium cattleianum Surinam cherry Eugenia uniflora Torpedo-grass Panicum repens Tropical soda apple Solanum viarum Water-hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Water lettuce Pistia stratiotes Water spangles Salvinia minima West Indian marsh-grass Hymenachne amplexicaulis Wild taro Colocasia esculenta

2.2.1 FNAI Natural Community Descriptions As stated above, six natural communities have been documented on the ECWMA Figure 6. These communities were mapped by FNAI in 2006 and follow the 1990 natural community guides. Each community is described in more detail below and the acreage of each community within the ECWMA is listed in Table 6.


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Table 6: Natural Community Types Found on the ECWMA Community Type GIS Acres Percentage Hydric hammock 317 0.04% Prairie Hammock 11,984 1.63% Ruderal 18,441 2.51% Slough 1,715 0.23 % Strand swamp 2,817 0.38% Swale 700,106 95.20%

2.2.1.1 Hydric Hammock Hydric hammocks are characterized as well developed hardwood and cabbage palm forests that occur on low, flat, and wet sites where limestone is close to the soil surface. The hydrology, in combination with a sparsely developed understory, prevents fire from entering this community except under extreme drought conditions.

The hydric hammocks of ECWMA represent the advanced stage of succession of a swale community. Although this community is composed of native species, it is not believed to be a historically occurring natural community on this site. Nor is it believed to be a former tree island. Occurrences of hydric hammock on ECWMA are found in close proximity to road and canal constructions. This landscape position creates a relatively short hydroperiod and limits fire from affecting the community. Although assumed not to be naturally occurring in this area, it has not been managed in the past to return it to a swale community.

This community provides difficulties in classification due to its unnatural formation. The canopy also lacks the traditional cabbage palm component. It is unclear what the climax plant assemblage will develop into if left to fully mature. The current canopy is dominated by younger to mature red maples with a subcanopy of younger red maple. The shrub layer includes swamp bay, wax myrtle, Carolina willow, dahoon holly, and common buttonbush. The sparse herbaceous layer is dominated by hottentot fern and marsh fern. Common forbs in the herbaceous layer are manyflower marshpennywort, royal fern, maidencane, green arrow arum, dotted smartweed, pickerelweed, starrush whitetop, common arrowhead, lizard's tail, sedge, and sawgrass. Vines are often infrequent in this community consisting of climbing hempvine and white twinevine. Despite the shaded, moist conditions that prevail within this community very few epiphytes are present. Only a few individuals of resurrection fern and ballmoss were observed in the hydric hammock community.

2.2.1.2 Prairie Hammock Prairie hammocks, commonly known as tree islands, are isolated areas of woody vegetation surrounded by the herbaceous dominated wetlands slough and/or swale. Prairie hammocks often consist of a head on their northern extreme and grade into a long tail to their southern tip. There is great variability in species composition among prairie hammocks


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and this variability can be attributed to differences in relative elevation, depth of limestone from surface, fire frequency in area, and hydrologic regime of the conservation area. Prairie hammocks occur on slight rises in the underlying limestone or on thicker deposits of peat.

On the ECWMA, prairie hammocks were classified as two subtypes: tree islands and willowhead. Tree islands are usually above the water level and at least parts of them, typically the head, are dry for part of the year. Willowheads are not elevated above the surrounding landscape and are inundated for most of the year. Willowheads can even form in small depressions caused by fire reducing the peat depth, alligator activity, and various other forms of disturbance. Tree islands on the area vary greatly in species composition because of depth to limestone, fire history, and past disturbances.

The tree island subtype of prairie hammock on the ECWMA consists of a canopy of red maple, pond apple, hackberry, strangler fig, dahoon holly, sweet bay, swamp bay, cabbage palm, Carolina willow, gumbo limbo, pigeon plum, and bald cypress. The tropical species gumbo-limbo and pigeon plum are found in the southern and typically the westernmost portions of the area, where limestone is at or near the surface. The western portion of the area also contains the tree islands that contain a bald cypress canopy. Canopy species found in willowheads include Carolina willow, pond apple, and red maple. Species found in the subcanopy of the tree island subtype of prairie hammock include pond apple, wild coffee, myrsine, hackberry, strangler fig, elderberry, cocoplum, firebush, dahoon holly, swamp bay, cabbage palm, coastalplain willow. Species found in the subcanopy of willowhead prairie hammocks include various fern species, epiphytes, pond apple and Carolina willow.

2.2.1.3 Ruderal Sites classified as ruderal are areas that have undergone anthropogenic disturbances to such an extent that they no longer resemble their natural state. On the ECWMA, ruderal areas include airboat trails, canals, developed areas, exotic monocultures, impoundments or artificial ponds, roads, spoil areas, and utility corridors.


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2.2.1.4 Slough Sloughs of the ECWMA are defined as inundated depressions found within swale communities. Sloughs are generally characterized as the deepest drainage ways within a swale community. Sloughs have no canopy or tall shrub strata. Sloughs that have been allowed to develop a large woody or cattail component due to fire suppression are indistinguishable from fire suppressed swale systems. They differ from surrounding swale by having slightly deeper water levels, longer hydroperiod and unique plant compositions. Sloughs can also develop in areas where fire events have lowered peat elevations in a swale community

Due to surrounding land use, water flow has been greatly altered at ECWMA, thus preventing traditional sheet flows. Water exits and enters by evaporation and rainfall, respectively, and by a series of perimeter canals and water control structures. The existing areas identified as slough may be remnants of historical watercourses that have had their hydrologic processes altered.

2.2.1.5 Strand Swamp Strand swamps are irregular, forested wetlands that occur in areas where the underlying limestone is at or near the surface of the substrate. Although strand swamp areas have the same formation characteristics as tree islands, they are classified differently because of landscape context. Typically, tree island-like areas located within strand swamps blend together to form a community that reduces fire frequency, removes much of the graminoid vegetation, and reduces light penetration.

On EWMA, strand swamps are restricted to the western edge of the boundary in WCA 3A south. As one progresses from east to west, the tree islands typically change from willowheads to classic bayheads, into bald cypress dominated tree islands and then into strand swamps. It appears that the limestone provides better growing conditions for bald cypress to proliferate. With a decrease in the depth to limestone, cypress dominated tree islands slowly become more numerous to the west. The landscape surrounding these islands also changes from a swale/slough dominated matrix into a dwarf cypress community and finally into a cypress strand swamp.

Bald cypress is the dominant canopy species. Subcanopy species include pond apple, strangler fig, dahoon holly, sweetbay, and swamp bay. Small trees and shrubs are the dominant understory vegetation and include pond apple, common buttonbush, coco plum, strangler fig, myrsine, wax myrtle, swamp bay, Carolina willow, and bald cypress. Herbaceous species include giant leather fern, alligator weed, amaranth, lemon bacopa, swamp fern, false nettle, Gulf Coast spikerush, tenangle pipewort, creeping primrosewillow, snow squarestem, climbing hempvine, yellow pondlily, royal fern, maidencane, Florida pellitory, green arrow arum, pickerelweed, white twinevine, hottentot fern, southern shield fern, southern cattail, and leafy bladderwort. Epiphytes are common


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and include northern needleleaf, common wild pine, ballmoss, airplants, southern needleleaf, and Spanish moss. Vines are common and include Virginia creeper, laurel greenbrier, and climbing aster.

2.2.1.6 Swale Swales, sometimes referred to as glades marsh, are marshes situated in broad shallow channels with flowing water and characterized by emergent grasses, sedges, and herbs up to ten feet tall. Swale soils are peat, unless removed by severe fire and are generally located over linear depressions in the underlying limestone. The natural hydrology consists of sheet flow that may be maintained on the order of 250 days per year. Natural wildfires caused by lightning occur every 1 to 5 years and are typical in late spring and summer. Shrubs are generally infrequent but do occur, sometimes quite abundantly in areas of disturbance and/or fire suppression. Where fire is relatively infrequent, shrub thickets will develop and displace the dominant sawgrass.

Plant species found in swales on the ECWMA can vary depending on the depth of the swale, as well as current hydrologic conditions. While commonly a dense, tall monoculture of sawgrass, deeper swales may support an array of emergent plants that includes sparse sawgrass, maidencane, Tracy’s beaksedge, or Gulf Coast spikerush. Various other herbs are common, particularly beaksedges, string lily, creeping primrose-willow, bulltongue arrowhead, and pickerelweed. During periods of high water and in areas transitional to deeper sloughs, floating plants such as big floatingheart, and bladderworts may be common. Drought conditions may allow other herbs to temporarily gain importance, such as dogfennel, sugarcane plumegrass, broomsedges, camphorweeds, thistles, asters, and knotweeds. Morning glory, and white twinevine may be found climbing sawgrass blades. Woody vegetation is sparse, and generally only found near the edges of the many tree islands that dot the landscape of the ECWMA. Carolina willow, coco plum, and common buttonbush are typical of these locations. Cattails are increasingly abundant in areas of the EECWMA where water quality is degraded by agricultural run-off or where water is impounded by roads and canals. In swales with relatively sparse vegetation, mats of algae called periphyton are commonly attached to plants in the water column.

2.2.2 Forest Resources Tree islands and strand swamps comprise the predominant forest types on the ECWMA. There are no major forest resources of significant commercial value located on the area.


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Figure 6: Community Types Found on the ECWMA


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2.3 Fish and Wildlife Resources The unique natural communities combined with active wildlife management practices make the ECWMA an excellent place to view wildlife. Numerous species of wildlife are found on the ECWMA. These species are listed in Tables 7 through 10. A list of non-native animals observed at the ECWMA can be found in Table 11.

Table 7: Mammal Species Observed on the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Bobcat Lynx rufus Brazilian free-tailed bat Tadarida brasiliensis Cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus Coyote Canis latrans Eastern gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Eastern tri-colored bat Perimyotis subflavus Evening bat Nycticeius humeralis Everglades mink Neovison vison evergladensis Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus Florida panther Puma concolor coryi Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus Least shrew Cryptotis parva Marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris Marsh rice rat Oryzomys palustris Nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Northern yellow bat Lasiurus intermedius Raccoon Procyon lotor River otter Lontra canadensis Round-tailed muskrat Neofiber alleni Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus

Table 8: Reptile and Amphibian Species Observed on the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name American alligator Alligator mississippiensis Blue-striped garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis similis Brown water snake Nerodia taxispilota


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Table 8: Reptile and Amphibian Species Observed on the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name Corn snake Pantherophis guttatus Eastern diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus Eastern garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Eastern kingsnake Lampropeltis getula getula Eastern mud snake Farancia abacura abacura Everglades racer Coluber constrictor paludicola Florida brown snake Storeria victa Florida cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti Florida cricket frog Acris gryllus dorsalis Florida green water snake Nerodia floridana Florida mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum steindachneri Florida redbelly turtle Pseudemys nelsoni Florida snapping turtle Chelydra serpentine osceola Florida softshell turtle Apalone ferox Florida water snake Nerodia fasciata pictiventris Green anole Anolis carolinensis Green tree frog Hyla cinerea Southern leopard frog Lithobates sphenocephalus Little grass frog Pseudacris ocularis Peninsula cooter Pseudemys peninsularis Peninsular newt Notophthalmus viridescens piaropicola Peninsula ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus sackenii Pig frog Lithobates grylio Dusky pygmy rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius barbouri Rough green snake Opheodrys aestivus South Florida swamp snake Seminatrix pygea cyclas Southern black racer Coluber constrictor priapus Southern cricket frog Acris gryllus Southeastern five-lined skink Plestiodon inexpectatus Southern narrow-mouthed toad Gastrophryne carolinensis Southern ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus punctatus Southern toad Anaxyrus terrestris Squirrel treefrog Hyla squirella Striped crayfish snake Regina alleni Striped mud turtle Kinosternon baurii Two-toed amphiuma Amphiuma means Eastern rat snake Pantherophis alleghaniensis


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Table 9: Fish Species Observed on the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name American eel Anguilla rostrata Bigmouth sleeper Gobiomorus dormitor Black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Bluefin killifish Lucania goodei Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Bluespotted sunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus Bowfin Amia calva Brook silverside Labidesthes sicculus Brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus Chain pickerel Esox niger Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus Common snook Centropomus undecimalis Dollar sunfish Lepomis marginatus Everglades pygmy sunfish Elassoma evergladei Flagfish Jordanella floridae Florida gar Lepisosteus platyrhincus Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Golden topminnow Fundulus chrysotus Lake chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Least killifish Heterandria formosa Lined topminnow Fundulus lineolatus Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus Marsh killifish Fundulus confluentus Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki Pirate perch Aphredoderus sayanus Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus Redfin pickerel Esox americanus Sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna Seminole killifish Fundulus seminolis Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus Spotted sunfish Lepomis punctatus Starhead topminnow Fundulus notti Striped mullet Mugil cephalus Swamp darter Etheostoma fusiforme Tadpole madtom Noturus gyrinus Taillight shiner Notropis maculatus Threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense Warmouth Lepomis gulosus


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Table 9: Fish Species Observed on the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name White catfish Ameiurus catus Yellow bullhead Ameiurus natalis

Table 10: Bird Species Observed on the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name American avocet Recurvirostra americana American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus American coot Fulica americana American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos American goldfinch Spinus tristis American redstart Setophaga ruticilla American robin Turdus migratorius American white pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos American wigeon Anas americana Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Crested caracara Caracara cheriway Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula Barn owl Tyto alba Barn swallow Hirundo rustica Barred owl Strix varia Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Black rail Laterallus jamaicensis Black vulture Coragyps atratus Black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax Black-necked stilt Himantopus mexicanus Blackpoll warbler Setophaga striata Black-throated blue warbler Setophaga caerulescens Black-throated green warbler Setophaga virens Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Blue-winged teal Anas discors Blue-winged warbler Vermivora cyanoptera Boat-tailed grackle Quiscalus major Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum


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Common Name Scientific Name Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Cape May warbler Dendroica tigrina Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Chestnut-sided warbler Dendroica pensylvanica Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica Chuck-will's-widow Antrostomus carolinensis Clapper rail Rallus longirostris Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula Common ground-dove Columbina passerina Common loon Gavia immer Common moorhen Gallinula chloropus Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor Common snipe Gallinago gallinago Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii Coot Fulica americana Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna Eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe Eastern screech-owl Megascops asio Eastern towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus Eastern wood pewee Contopus virens Everglade snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Fish crow Corvus ossifragus Florida sandhill crane Grus canadensis Forster's tern Sterna forsteri Gadwall Anas strepera Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis Gray kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Great blue heron Ardea herodias Great egret Ardea alba Great horned owl Bubo virginianus Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Great-crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus


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Common Name Scientific Name Green heron Butorides virescens Hairy woodpecker Picoides villosus Hermit thrush Catharus guttatus Herring gull Larus smithsonianus Hooded warbler Setophaga citrina Horned grebe Podiceps auritus House wren Troglodytes aedon Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea Kentucky warbler Geothlypis formosa Killdeer Charadrius vociferus King rail Rallus elegans Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla Least bittern Ixobrychus exilis Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla Least tern Sternula antillarum Lesser scaup Aythya affinis Lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Limpkin Aramus guarauna Little blue heron Egretta caerulea Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus Louisiana waterthrush Parkesia motacilla Magnolia warbler Setophaga magnolia Mallard duck Anas platyrhynchos Marsh wren Cistothorus palustris Merlin Falco columbarius Florida mottled duck Anas fulvigula Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Nothern bobwhite Colinus virginianus Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Northern harrier Circus cyaneus Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Northern parula Parula americana Northern pintail Anas acuta Northern rough-winged swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Northern shoveler Anas clypeata Northern waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Orange-crowned warbler Oreothlypis celata Orchard oriole Icterus spurius Osprey Pandion haliaetus


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Common Name Scientific Name Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla Painted bunting Passerina ciris Palm warbler Setophaga palmarum Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Pine warbler Setophaga pinus Prairie warbler Setophaga discolor Prothonotary warbler Protonotaria citrea Purple martin Progne subis Purple gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus Red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris Roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaja Ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula Ruby-throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris Eastern towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Sedge wren Cistothorus platensis Scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus Short-tailed hawk Buteo brachyurus Smooth-billed ani Crotophaga ani Snowy egret Egretta thula Sora Porzana carolina Southeastern American kestrel Falco sparverius paulus Swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni Swainson's thrush Catharus ustulatus Swainson's warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii Swallow-tailed kite Elanoides forficatus Swamp sparrow Melospiza georgiana Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor Tufted titmouse Baeolophus bicolor


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Common Name Scientific Name Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Veery Catharus fuscescens Whip-poor-will Antrostomus vociferus Whistling duck Dendrocygna bicolor White ibis Eudocimus albus White-eyed vireo Vireo griseus White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus Wilson's snipe Gallinago delicata Wood duck Aix sponsa Wood stork Mycteria americana Worm-eating warbler Helmitheros vermivorum Yellow warbler Setophaga petechia Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens Yellow-crowned night-heron Nyctanassa violacea Yellow-rumped warbler Setophaga coronata Yellow-throated warbler Setophaga dominica

Table 11: Non-Native Animals Observed at ECWMA Common Name Scientific Name Amphibians Cane toad Rhinella marina Cuban treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis Greenhouse frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris Birds Common myna Acridotheres tristis Egyptian geese Alopochen aegyptiaca Eurasian collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto European starling Sturnus vulgaris House sparrow Passer domesticus Monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus Muscovy duck Cairina moschata Purple swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Rock dove Columba livia White-winged dove Zenaida asiatica Fish African jewelfish Hemichromis letourneuxi Asian swamp eel Monopterus albus


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Table 11: Non-Native Animals Observed at ECWMA Common Name Scientific Name Black acara Cichlasoma bimaculatum Blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus Brown hoplo Hoplosternum littorale Bullseye snakehead Channa marulius Butterfly peacock bass Cichla ocellaris Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella Mayan cichlid Cichlasoma urophthalma Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus Orinoco sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus Oscar Astronotus ocellatus Pike killifish Belonesox belizanus Spotted tilapia Tilapia mariae Vermiculated sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus Walking catfish Clarias batrachus Yellowbelly cichlid Cichlasoma salvini Invertebrates Various ants Several species Banded caracol Caracolus marginella Island applesnail Pomacea maculata Lobate lac scale Paratachardina lobata Redbay ambrosia beetle Xyleborus glabratus Mammals Black rat Rattus rattus Feral hog Sus scrofa House mouse Mus musculus Norway rat Rattus norvegicus Reptiles Brown anole Anolis sagrei Brown basilisk Basiliscus vittatus Burmese python Python molurus bivittatus Common house gecko Hemidactylus frenatus Green iguana Iguana iguana Indo-Pacific gecko Hemidactylus garnotii Mediterranean gecko Hemidactylus turcicus Red-eared slider Trachemys scripta elegans Tropical house gecko Hemidactylus mabouia

2.3.1 Integrated Wildlife Habitat Ranking System The FWC has developed the Integrated Wildlife Habitat Ranking System (IWHRS) as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based assessment tool that incorporates a wide


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variety of land cover and wildlife species data. The IWHRS evaluates the Florida landscape based upon the habitat needs of wildlife as a way to identify ecologically significant lands in the state, and to assess the potential impacts of management and land-use changes. The IWHRS was developed to provide technical assistance to various local, regional, state, and federal agencies, and entities interested in wildlife needs and conservation in order to: (1) determine ways to avoid or minimize project impacts by evaluating alternative placements, alignments, and transportation corridors during early planning stages, (2) assess direct, secondary, and cumulative impacts to habitat and wildlife resources, and (3) identify appropriate parcels for public land acquisition for wetland and upland habitat mitigation purposes. The IWHRS (2009) indicates that ECWMA has a very high mean wildlife value of 7.8 (Figure 7).

2.3.2 Imperiled Species For the purposes of this Management Plan, the term “Imperiled Species” refers to plant and animal species that are designated as Endangered, Threatened, or a Species of Special Concern by FWC, or that are designated as Endangered or Threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This designation is also commonly known as “listed species.” Table 12 lists some of the more prominent rare and imperiled wildlife species that have been documented as occurring on or in the vicinity of the ECWMA. Table 12: Rare and Imperiled Wildlife Species Occurring On or Near the ECWMA

Common Name Scientific Name Status American alligator Alligator mississippiensis FT(S/A) Crested caracara Caracara cheriway FT Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis SSC Everglade snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus FE Everglades mink Neovision vison evergladensis ST Florida bonneted bat Eumops floridanus FE Florida panther Puma concolor coryi FE Florida sandhill crane Grus canadensis pratensis ST Limpkin Aramus guarauna SSC Little blue heron Egretta caerulea SSC Reddish egret Egretta rufescens SSC Roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaia ST Snowy egret Egretta thula SSC Southeastern American kestrel Falco sparverius paulus ST Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor SSC White ibis Eudocimus albus SSC Wood stork Mycteria americana FT Status Acronyms - FE: Federal Endangered, FT(S/A): Federal Threatened (due to Similarity of Apperance) SSC: State Species of Special Concern, ST: State Threatened


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On November 8, 2010, new threatened species rules approved by the FWC were implemented. All federally listed species that occur in Florida will now be included on Florida’s list as federally-designated Endangered or federally-designated Threatened species. In addition, the state has implemented a listing process to identify species that are not federally listed, but that may be at risk of extinction. These species will be called state-designated Threatened. All previous state-designated imperiled species were grandfathered on the list and are currently undergoing status reviews. The FWC will continue to maintain a separate Species of Special Concern category until all the former imperiled species have been reviewed and those species are either determined to be state-designated Threatened or removed from the list.

An FWC Wildlife Conservation Prioritization and Recovery Species Management Strategy (WCPR Strategy) was completed for the ECWMA in 2012. Of the 60 focal species and 1 species group, 12 were modeled to have potential habitat on the ECWMA. These species are listed in Table 13. Occasionally, models indicate a species has potential habitat on the area when using statewide data; however, the local assessment indicates there is little opportunity to manage for the species on the area and the species should not influence management decisions. These species are identified with an “*”. More information about the WCPR Strategy is found in Section 5.4.2 of this Management Plan.

Table 13: Focal Species Modeled to Have Potential Habitat on the ECWMA Common Name Scientific Name Burrowing owl* Athene cunicularia Crested caracara* Caracara cheriway Everglade snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus Florida mottled duck Anas fulvigula Florida panther Puma concolor coryi Limpkin Aramus guarauna Northern bobwhite* Colinus virginianus Short-tailed hawk Buteo brachyurus Southern bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Swallow-tailed kite Elanoides forficatus Wading birds (multiple species)


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Figure 7: Integrated Wildlife Habitat Ranking System


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Figure 8: FWC Wildlife Observations and FNAI Element Occurrences


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2.3.3 FWC Wildlife Observations and FNAI Element Occurrences FNAI assigns a rank to each “element” occurrence, which is an exemplary or rare component of the natural environment. As defined by FNAI, an “element” is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. An element occurrence is a single extant habitat which sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct, self-sustaining example of a particular element. This ranking system was developed by The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Heritage Program Network based on the element’s global rank (element’s worldwide status) or state rank (status of element in Florida). The FNAI ranking system and definitions are located on the following website: www.fnai.org/ranks.cfm.

Known locations of FWC wildlife occurrences and FNAI element occurrences from the most recent GIS databases of the respective agencies are displayed in Figure 8. Appendix 13.5 contains a letter from FNAI authorizing the FWC to utilize their database for the purpose of displaying known plant and animal resources.

2.4 Native Landscapes The vast wetlands that make up the Everglades are one of the most remarkable and famous landscapes in the United States. Some of the other native landscapes on the ECWMA include hydric hammock, prairie hammock, and strand swamp. The landscapes are fully described in Section 2.2 of this Management Plan.

2.5 Water Resources The Everglades is an oligotrophic wetland, where relatively low concentrations of nutrients often have significant ecological impacts. Already, nutrients from human activities have caused adverse changes in vegetation, water quality and community metabolism in all of the lands and waters comprising the ECWMA. Such changes may cause nuisance species to overtake or eliminate native flora and fauna. Adequate timing, distribution and flow of rainfall-quality water are necessary to maintain and perpetuate natural Everglades habitats and a functional ecosystem. Water quality in the ECWMA has been degraded due to large inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus from surrounding areas. Increased nutrient levels have altered plant communities and promoted the growth of cattails in the area. To preserve and improve the integrity of natural resources in the ECWMA, the FWC provides technical assistance and support to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), SFWMD, and other responsible agencies in their efforts to improve the quantity and quality of water entering the ECWMA. The distribution of cattails and their expansion will be mapped to monitor the effectiveness of water quality improvement programs.

All waters that are within or traverse the ECWMA are classified as Class III waters by the DEP. The DEP classification indicates water usage and establishes criteria for water quality standards. Class III waters are classified for recreation, propagation, and


45

http://www.fnai.org/ranks.cfm

maintenance of healthy, well-balanced populations of fish and wildlife. The specific criteria for Florida Water Quality Standards are described in Chapter 62-302 of the FAC. Within the current water quality classification system (i.e. Class III), water quality can be lowered to the minimum standards for that classification. The Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW) designation overlies the water quality class system and prevents the lowering of existing water quality. All waters within RWMA and HWMA, as well as waters in the extreme northwest corner of EWMA, are designated as OFW.

2.6 Beaches and Dunes The ECWMA does not contain any beaches or dunes.

2.7 Mineral Resources The south Florida mineral substrate consists primarily of calciferous limestone. Lying much deeper, may be deposits of hydrocarbons or oil and gas formations. Limited information is available concerning the extent and potential for commercial development of those mineral resources, although some oil and gas exploration has occurred on the area previously.

As detailed above, much of the land purchased for the RWMA has private mineral reservations. Past mineral development included an oil well in the southern part of the area, which probably operated in the late 1950s or 1960s. Dredged materials and shellrock were used to construct an approximately 2-acre platform and an access road to the L-4 levee. Debris from this operation remains on site, and subsequent restoration work performed by the FWC at this location included exotic removal and tree plantings with the goal of recreating natural tree island habitat.

In 1987, Shell Western E & P Inc. ran a seismic test line across portions of HWMA, causing minor damage to the marsh and a red maple tree island. Restoration work, including replanting the tree island and filling in ruts, was performed at the time. Since then, no further mineral exploration or development has occurred in the HWMA. However, given the outstanding mineral reservations on the area described above, the potential for further oil and gas exploration and development on the ECWMA still exists.

2.8 Cultural Resources The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) observations have five categories: archeological sites, resource groups, historical structures, historic bridges, and historic cemeteries. There were 126 archeological sites and 12 resource groups, one historic structure, and one historic bridge documented on the EWMA portion of the ECWMA (Appendix 13.7.2). There were three archeological sites and one resource group documented on the RWMA (Appendix 13.7.3), and no occurrences noted on the HWMA. All Master Site recordings, assessments, and preservation strategies will be coordinated with DHR.


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2.9 Scenic Resources Visitors to the ECWMA are treated to extraordinary scenic vistas within this vast landscape of sawgrass prairie, marshes and tree islands that are distinctively unique to the Everglades, providing one of Florida’s most iconic natural vistas. Noted above, the ECWMA occupies over 730,000 acres of the two million acres of South Florida that make up the Everglades, also popularly known as the "River of Grass." The Everglades is an internationally recognized ecosystem of vast sawgrass prairies and tree islands. These habitats support a great diversity of plants and wildlife found nowhere else.

As highlighted above, Florida's Everglades is the largest wetland and subtropical wilderness in the United States, and is a rare ecological resource. The condition of this resource and its scenery can be expected to continue to improve as restoration efforts by federal and state governments and the SFWMD progress. The scenic resources of the Everglades ecosystem can best be appreciated within the ECWMA from roads, levees and other similar access points.

3 Uses of the Property

3.1 Previous Use and Development Prior to European settlement in the 1500s, the landscape of Florida, including this area of the peninsula, was settled and used by a variety of aboriginal peoples whose culture relied mainly on hunting, fishing, and subsistence agriculture. American Indians inhabited south Florida even before wetter climatic conditions set into motion the beginning of the Everglades approximately 5000 years ago. American Indian cultures were well established, and people lived by hunting, fishing, and gathering wild foods. Villages around Lake Okeechobee may have grown corn, at least for a time. Most of the American Indian population was settled in villages near estuaries and on the coastal ridge. People traveled from these villages back and forth to camps in the Everglades to hunt and fish, much as modern urban dwellers continue to do today.

Though some land alteration occurred, only minor alteration of the landscape is thought to have taken place until the advent of European settlement beginning with the Spanish occupation of Florida in the sixteenth century. By the mid 1700s, the original American Indian cultures encountered by European explorers were gone, their members killed, enslaved or dead from diseases to which they had no resistance. A new group of American Indians, a few hundred Seminoles and Miccosukee, escaped to south

Florida at the end of the Second Seminole War in 1842. They established small settlements


47

on the tree islands, where they hunted, fished, gardened, and collected wild foods. They plied the waterways in cypress canoes, and toward the end of the 19th century, began trading alligator hides and egret feathers - desirable commodities in the world of women's fashions - for sewing machines and other goods. Today the Miccosukee Tribe, recognized by the federal government in 1961 as a group separate from the Seminoles and, as detailed above, has perpetual lease rights and control over 189,000 acres within the ECWMA and continues to use the land for camps, commercial and agricultural activities, religious rituals, and subsistence purposes such as hunting, fishing and frogging.

Along with more advanced agricultural practices, the Spanish and other settlers brought livestock, primarily cattle and hogs, as well as horses to Florida. This began an era of broad use of the landscape for agriculture. Rangeland cattle grazing and other agricultural practices began to be utilized in a more systematic way and occurred throughout much of the central Florida peninsula through most of the European settlement era from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Use of these agricultural practices began an era of increased alteration of the natural landscape. However, it wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that major settlement and more extensive alteration of the landscape in the area began with the widespread use of agriculture and associated development.

In 1948, Congress authorized the Central and Southern Florida Project for Flood Control and Other Purposes (C&SF). This project included the construction of a substantial system of canals and levees in the Everglades ecosystem to provide flood control, water supply, preservation of fish and wildlife, and other environmental benefits to south Florida. The WCAs were constructed in the Everglades ecosystem as part of the C&SF. Construction of canals, levees, and water control structures began in 1949 and was completed in 1962. The WCAs 2 and 3 are almost completely enclosed by a levee and canal system that is approximately 150 miles in length. The only portion of the area not completely enclosed by the levee system is WCA 3A where a seven-mile section of the western border remains hydrologically connected to BCNP. The C&SF significantly altered the region’s hydrology (quantity, timing, and distribution of water). By the 1970s, the constructed C&SF canal system included over 1,800 miles of canals and levees and 200 water control structures. This immense system diverted an average of 1.7 billion gallons of water per day (5,217 acre-feet per day) into the ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

Additional fragmentation of the watershed and habitat occurred with construction of U.S. Highway 27, which separates WCA 2 from WCA 3. Furthermore, U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) borders WCA 3 and Interstate 75 bisects WCA 3. These roads, in combination with the existing levee and water delivery system, have altered the natural hydroperiods and disrupted sheetflow throughout the management area. Continued development to the east of the management area will likely intensify environmental problems. The area is used for flood retention during high rainfall years and as a reservoir for urban and agricultural use during dry years.


48

As noted above, in 1994, the State passed the Everglades Forever Act to begin to ameliorate these impacts and to address environmental concerns related to quality, quantity, and timing of water entering the Everglades. To date, the historic Everglades have been reduced to about half of its original size. The current population in the Southeast Florida region is predicted to double by the year 2050. Consequently, the sustainability of the ECWMA and the overall Everglades ecosystem will continue to be impacted from these projected patterns of population growth. In response to this situation, the federal, state, regional and local governments and the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes are working together to continue to restore and maintain the vital conservation lands within the Everglades ecosystem.

3.2 Current Use of the Property Currently, the ECWMA is managed for the conservation and protection of fish and wildlife habitat and fish and wildlife based public outdoor recreation. A wide range of operational and resource management actions are conducted on the ECWMA each year including activities such as prescribed burning; wildlife habitat restoration and improvement; invasive exotic species maintenance and control; road repairs and maintenance; imperiled species management, monitoring and protection; facilities and infrastructure maintenance and repair; conservation acquisition and stewardship activities; archeological and historic resources monitoring and protection; and research related activities.

Current and anticipated resource uses of the property are diverse. Hunting and fishing continue to be popular recreational activities on the ECWMA. The area also offers excellent opportunities for bird watching, especially for various wading birds. The diversity of vegetation not only harbors a variety of bird species but also provides good opportunities for mammalian wildlife viewing. Other uses include hiking, photography, biking, camping, and sightseeing.

Due to the proximity of population centers in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties, public use can be expected to increase as public awareness of opportunities increases. Annual use of the ECWMA is estimated to be 365 user-days for all activities combined. FWC administers hunts in the fall, winter and spring for various game species including small game, deer, alligator, waterfowl, conditional reptiles, and feral hogs, which account for a little more than half of the user-days.

3.2.1 Visitation and Economic Benefits Visitation and public use of the area for fish and wildlife-based public outdoor recreational opportunities is the primary source of economic benefits from the ECWMA, and contribute to the overall economy for this region of Florida. In Fiscal Year 2012-13, an estimated 1,148,472 people visited the ECWMA. Primarily, as a result of this visitation and use of the area, FWC economic analysis estimates indicate that the ECWMA generated an estimated annual economic impact of $224,399,944 for the State and the South Florida region. This


49

estimated annual economic impact has aided in the support or creation of an estimated 2,285 jobs.

Further revenue generating potential of the ECWMA will depend upon future uses described in this Management Plan. Additional revenue from environmental lands such as the ECWMA might include sales of various permits and recreational user fees and ecotourism activities, if such projects could be feasibly developed. The annual area regulations can be consulted to clarify the necessary and required permits, fees, and regulations. Additionally, the long-term value of ecosystem services, including the protection of air and water quality functions, are considered to be significant to local and regional land and water resources, as well as human health.

3.3 Single- or Multiple-use Management The ECWMA will continue to be managed under the multiple-use concept as a Wildlife Management Area. The ECWMA will provide fish and wildlife resource based public outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, while protecting the natural and cultural resources found on the area. Any natural and cultural resources of the ECWMA will be managed under the guidance of ARC, the Conceptual State Lands Management Plan, and as outlined in the original purposes for acquisition.

3.3.1 Analysis of Multiple-use Potential The following actions or activities have been considered under the multiple-use concept as possible uses to be allowed on the ECWMA. Uses classified as “Approved” are considered to be in accordance with the purposes for acquisition, as well as with the Conceptual State Lands Management Plan, and with the FWC agency mission, goals and objectives as expressed in the Agency Strategic Plan (Appendix 13.6). Uses classified as "Conditional" indicate that the use may be acceptable but will be allowed only if approved through a process other than the management plan development and approval process (e.g., special-use permitting, managed-area regulation and rule development). Uses classified as “Rejected” are not considered to be in accordance with the original purpose of acquisition or one or more of the various forms of guidance available for planning and management:

Approved Conditional Rejected

Apiaries Astronomy Bicycling Cattle grazing Citrus or other agriculture Ecosystem services and maintenance Ecotourism Environmental Education First-responder training


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Approved Conditional Rejected Fishing Geocaching Hiking Horseback riding Hunting Linear facilities Military training Preservation of cultural sites Preservation of historical sites Primitive camping Protection of imperiled species Off-road vehicle use Shooting sports park Soil and water conservation Timber harvest Wildlife observation

3.3.2 Incompatible Uses and Linear Facilities Consideration of incompatible uses and linear facilities on ECWMA are made in accordance with the requirements of Section 253.034(10) FS, and other applicable Florida constitution, statute, rule, and policy requirements, as well as other provisions governing applications for proposed incompatible uses or linear facilities on state-owned conservation lands. Upon approval and implementation of this management plan, any proposed future uses that have been classified herein as Rejected, or other proposed future uses that are determined to be incompatible with the purposes of acquisition or other management authorizations and guidance, will be forwarded for review and approval to the DEP-DSL, the ARC and the BOT prior to any incompatible use or linear facility being authorized on the ECWMA.

3.3.3 Assessment of Impact of Planned Uses of the Property To communicate the FWC’s planned uses and activities, specific management intentions, long- and short-term goals with associated objectives, identified challenges, and solution strategies have been developed for the ECWMA (Sections 5 -8). A detailed assessment of the benefits and potential impacts of planned uses and activities on natural and cultural resources was an integral part of the development of the management activities and intent, goals, objectives, challenges, and strategies sections of this Management Plan.


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3.4 Acreage That Should Be Declared Surplus On conservation lands where the FWC is the lead manager, the FWC evaluates and identifies recommended areas for a potential surplus designation by DSL, ARC, and the Board of Trustees. This evaluation consists of GIS modeling and analysis, aerial photography interpretation, analysis of fish and wildlife resources, a review of resource and operational management needs, and a review of public access and recreational use of the area. Also, the FWC considers recommendations for surplus lands as they relate to Florida’s “No Net Loss of Hunting Lands” legislation (Ch. 379.3001 F.S.), as well as surplus restrictions for lands acquired through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson) or through other federal grant programs.

The evaluation of ECWMA by the FWC has determined that all portions of the area are being managed and operated for the original purposes of acquisition, and remain integral to the continued conservation of important fish and wildlife resources, and continue to provide good fish and wildlife resource based public outdoor recreational opportunities. Consequently, all of the acreage comprising the ECWMA is considered essential for the conservation and sustainability of fish and wildlife within this region of Florida and to meet the original purposes for acquiring the ECWMA. For these reasons, none of the lands currently located within the ECWMA meet the criteria for a potential surplus designation. Therefore, no portion of the ECWMA should be considered or declared surplus.

4 Accomplished Objectives from the ECWMA Management Plan 2002 – 2012

This section is dedicated to reporting the extent to which the Objectives described in the ECWMA Management Plan 2002 – 2012 (pages 49 - 54) were successfully completed. Accomplishments for the ECWMA during the previous planning timeframe are further discussed in more comprehensive detail throughout Section 5 Management Activities and Intent of this Management Plan. The following Resource Management Goals and Objectives from the 2002 – 2012 ECWMA Management Plan describe the planned activities for the ECWMA during this period. The degree to which FWC was able to accomplish the planned activities during this period is reflected as Percent Accomplished for each associated Objective.

Goals and Objectives Percent Accomplished

Goal 1: Identify the appropriate hydroperiod to restore the natural functions of the Everglades Complex, and to provide benefits to the area’s fish and wildlife species and their habitats.


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Objective 1: Based on the biological needs of wildlife and their habitats, and in cooperation with the COE the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the SFWMD, continue to develop and refine hydroperiods for the ECWMA, (ongoing). This objective addresses Recommendation 2 and Checklist Finding 8 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Recommendation 2 and Checklist Finding 9 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: The FWC coordinates with the COE and SFWMD on appropriate water regulation schedules, and encourages water regulation schedules that promote the protection of tree islands and enhance conditions for wildlife. The FWC provides technical assistance and ecological recommendations to these agencies. Water levels within RWMA water levels are managed in accordance with the Rotenberger Operational Plan which was revised in 2010. An inflow pump station supplies water to RWMA from STA 5/6, and water outflow occurs through 4 structures constructed in 2000. Currently there is no inflow to HWMA from the Miami Canal through the G-200, which has been defunct since 2005, nor is there an inflow structure from STA 3/4 to supply clean water to Holey Land. Ongoing.

100%

Objective 2: Continue to monitor the condition of tree islands during prolonged drought and high water events (ongoing). Comment: Tree islands are monitored during extreme water conditions through activities such as water level monitoring, appropriate public access closures to minimize risk of damaging muck fires during drought conditions, and through periodic vegetative surveys on tree islands.

100%

Objective 3: Continue to monitor wildlife and fish populations during prolonged drought and high water events (ongoing). Comment: Wildlife and fish populations are monitored during extreme water events through activities such as water level monitoring, appropriate public access closures to minimize stress to wildlife, tree island browse surveys, levee spotlight surveys, and camera trapping.

100%

Goal 2: Monitor, manage, and restore native plant communities where possible.

Objective 1: In cooperation with the SFWMD, continue to monitor and map areas invaded by cattails within the Everglades-Francis Taylor WMA (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 1 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review. Comment: The SFWMD produced detailed vegetation coverage maps for Everglades WMA, and the FNAI mapped vegetation communities within Everglades WMA in 2006.

100%


53


Objective 2: Continue to monitor and map areas invaded by cattails in the Holey Land WMA and Rotenberger WMA (ongoing). This objective addresses Recommendation 4, Checklist Finding 5 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Recommendation 1 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: Aerial cattail surveys and mapping are completed annually on both Holey Land and Rotenberger WMAs.

100%

Objective 3: Implement a program of prescribed burns to protect existing tree islands from wildfire (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review, Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Checklist Finding 2 and 3 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: Approximately 10,000 acres are burned annually, weather, staffing, and water levels permitting. The prescribed burn program complements tree island restoration through a reduction in fuel loads. Fuel load reduction protects tree islands and surrounding marsh habitats from catastrophic wildfires, which occassionally produce muck fires.

100%

Objective 4: Conduct tree and shrub plantings to restore damaged tree islands and improve other upland habitat (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review, Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: Tree island restoration activities (including planting and maintenance of native species) are conducted on an annual basis to restore damaged tree islands and improve upland habitat.

100%

Objective 5: Control and reduce coverage of exotic vegetation (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 1 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review, and Recommendation 3 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review. Comment: Exotic vegetation has been identified and efforts (chemical and mechanical) are ongoing to control species such as Brazilian pepper, Melaleuca, Lygodium, and others. Exotic vegetation efforts include regional sketchmapping efforts and coordination with other agencies.

100%


54


Objective 6: Enforce rules and regulations designed to protect plant communities and wildlife habitats with routine patrols by Division of Law Enforcement (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review, Checklist Finding 2 and 4 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: The FWC Division of Law Enforcement routinely patrols the area to protect the resources present on the WMAs.

100%

Objective 7: Continue to promote the use of fill from de-graded levees to create artificial tree islands (ongoing). 100%

Objective 8: Continue to coordinate with conservation organizations, sportsmen’s clubs, and other volunteer groups to assist in resource management activities (ongoing).

100%

Objective 9: By 2003, contract with FNAI to identify current vegetative community types and to provide accurate maps of community composition. This objective addresses Recommendation 1 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review and Recommendation 1 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: The FNAI identified and mapped natural communities on Everglades, Holey Land, and Rotenberger WMAs in 2006.

100%

Objective 10: By 2003, contract with FNAI to identify historic vegetative community types in order to restore habitats to the proper plant community composition. This objective addresses Recommendation 1 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review and Recommendation 1 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: There was insufficient funding to accomplish this objective.

0%

Objective 11: By 2003, contract with FNAI to conduct a survey for rare and endangered plant species. This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review, Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: As part of the natural community mapping survey by FNAI in 2006, rare plants were documented on EWMA. None were documented in HWMA or RWMA.

100%


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Objective 12: Identify and map tree islands damaged by flood and fire by 2003. This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review.

100%

Objective 13: To maintain plant diversity and minimize the occurrence of peat fires, conduct prescribed burns and manage wildfires on at least 250,000 acres by 2007 (Implement cooperative burns with DOF, Florida Power and Light (FPL), Loxahatchee NWR, and other managers). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review, Checklist Finding 3 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Checklist Finding 3 and 8 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: From January 2002 to December 2007, 367,327 acres were burned (wild and prescribed fire) in the three areas.

100%

Objective 14: Delineate management units and develop quantifiable vegetation management objectives for these management units by 2007. This objective addresses Checklist Finding 1and 2 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review, Checklist Finding 2 and 3 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Recommendation 1 and Checklist Finding 2 and 3 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: Management units and vegetation management objectives for Everglades, Holey Land, and Rotenberger WMAs were developed in 2009.

100%

Goal 3: Continue to monitor and manage native wildlife and fish populations in the Everglades Complex.

Objective 1: Inventory and monitor wildlife and fish population levels and distribution by conducting wildlife surveys including wading bird nest counts, snail kite nest and mid-winter counts, aerial deer counts, and Florida panther radio collar monitoring (ongoing). Comment: Wildlife and fish monitoring efforts are ongoing. Surveys include annual aerial white-tailed deer surveys, annual wading bird surveys conducted by SFWMD, and annual snail kite monitoring by the University of Florida. FWC assists SFWMD and UF as necessary. Florida panther monitoring is ongoing by the FWC panther team.

100%


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Objective 2: Continue to monitor historic wading bird rookeries and other areas critical to wildlife; implement protection measures as necessary (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: Wading bird nesting surveys are conducted annually by SFWMD, with assistance as needed by FWC. Protection measures are implemented as necessary.

100%

Objective 3: Continue to maintain deer populations at or below high water carrying capacities (ongoing). Comment: Annual aerial deer surveys and hunter harvest information collected at check stations are used to provide annual vehicle permit quota recommendations.

100%

Objective 4: Continue enforcing area regulations designed to protect fish and wildlife resources and to control ORV use with routine patrols by law enforcement personnel (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Everglades WMA Land Management Review, Checklist Finding 4 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: The FWC Division of Law Enforcement routinely patrols the area to enforce area regulations and control ORV use.

100%

Objective 5: Coordinate with SFWMD and COE to minimize frequency and severity of drought and high water events (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 9 of the 2001 Rotenberger WMA Land Management Review. Comment: FWC coordinates with the COE and SFWMD on appropriate water regulation schedules, and encourages water regulation schedules that promote the protection of tree islands and enhance conditions for wildlife. The FWC provides technical assistance and ecological recommendations to these agencies.

100%

Objective 6: Continue to monitor the alligator population through aerial nest surveys and night spotlight counts (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review, and Checklist Finding 2 of the 2001 RWMA Land Management Review.

100%


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Objective 7: Erect 50 artificial nest structures for cavity nesting species by 2003. Comment: Fifty artificial nest structures were installed in Everglades WMA in 2002. Currently there are 30 artificial nest structures throughout Everglades WMA that are utilized by a variety of wildlife species and maintained annually.

100%

Goal 4: Identify and protect cultural resources.

Objective 1: Continue to keep the location of undisturbed cultural sites as proprietary information (ongoing). 100%

Objective 2: Monitor and evaluate the effects of muck fires on cultural sites (ongoing). Comment: Cultural sites are monitored annually as per DHR guidelines.

100%

Objective 3: When conducting restoration activities on tree islands, follow the Management Procedures from the DHR to prevent disturbance to cultural sites (ongoing).

100%

Objective 4: By 2003, train two FWC personnel in cultural resource protection under the provisions of Chapter 267, F.S. 100%

Goal 5: Provide and regulate public recreational activities at levels compatible with resource protection objectives.

Objective 1: Continue to provide designated access sites for ORV use, including tracked vehicles, three and four wheeled vehicles, and airboats, and distribute ORV use to minimize establishment of permanent trails and prevent adverse impacts to vegetation (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 4 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review. Comment: Effective 2008-2009, a rule change was implemented to reduce extensive damage due to recreational ATV riding. Rule change prohibits ATV use, except during certain hunting seasons for the purposes of hunting.

100%

Objective 2: Continue to coordinate with COE, DOT and SFWMD to advocate no net loss of recreational access as a result of the Everglades restoration activities (e.g., the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan [CERP] and STA implementation) (ongoing). Comment: FWC regularly provides input and recommendations on recreation and fish and wildlife concerns through participation on CERP/CEPP and other Everglades restoration projects.

100%


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Objective 3: Maintain nine existing boat ramps to provide access to marsh and canal fisheries (ongoing).

100%

Objective 4: Maintain marsh access trails along L-67A canal and I-75 canal for fishing, waterfowl hunting and other types of recreation (ongoing).

100%

Objective 5: Continue to manage recreational fisheries by the use of size and bag limits, and through recommendations on hydroperiod manipulation (ongoing).

100%

Objective 6: Continue to coordinate with COE and SFWMD to prevent loss of deep-water habitats and fishing opportunities as a result of Everglades restoration (e.g. CERP) activities (ongoing).

100%

Objective 7: Continue implementation of white-tailed deer harvest regulations to provide hunting opportunities at low deer densities (e.g., forked antler rule for Everglades WMA) (ongoing).

100%

Objective 8: Continue to provide Public Waters Alligator Hunts (ongoing). 100%

Objective 9: Continue to administer the contract sublease for the operation of Everglades Holiday Park to a private concessionaire to provide camping, airboat tours, environmental education, and public access to Everglades WMA (ongoing). Comment: The contract sublease was managed until the lease expired in 2012, and the area was turned back over to management by Broward County.

100%

Objective 10: Continue to monitor hydrological conditions and conduct annual biological surveys to help evaluate possible secondary effects of ORV use (ongoing).

100%

Objective 11: Encourage the USFWS and the SFWMD to fulfill their obligation to build a boat ramp accessing Holey Land WMA by 2003. 100%

Objective 12: By 2007, construct one new boat ramp at the northwest corner of Holey Land WMA. 100%

Goal 6: Provide public education regarding the Everglades ecosystem, wildlife management, and management activities on the Everglades Complex. Objective 1: Continue to maintain eight informational kiosks along I-75 in Everglades WMA to educate the public on endangered species, fire management, sport fishing and the Everglades ecosystem (ongoing). Comment: An additional kiosk, an Overlook, and a Wildlife Exhibit were added along I-75 in 2007 and 2008. All informational facilities are maintained.

100%


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Objective 2: Each year provide at least 12 educational presentations and displays to civic groups, schools, conservation organizations, and at the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 6 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review.

100%

Objective 3: Provide interviews and presentations to radio and television media on fish and wildlife management activities and pertinent issues (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 6 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review.

100%

Objective 4: Continue to emphasize the importance of hunters and anglers to good land stewardship and wildlife conservation (ongoing). This objective addresses Checklist Finding 6 of the 2001 Holey Land WMA Land Management Review.

100%

5 Management Activities and Intent The following section provides a description of agency plans to locate, identify, protect, preserve or otherwise use fragile natural resources and nonrenewable cultural resources. In general, the FWC management intent for the ECWMA is to restore and maintain natural communities in a condition that sustains ecological processes and conserves biological diversity, especially fish and wildlife resources. In conjunction with this primary emphasis, it is the FWC’s intent to provide quality fish and wildlife resource based public outdoor recreational opportunities on the ECWMA, in cooperation with the SFWMD, the Miccosukee Tribe, and others working to restore and conserve the area. The FWC will utilize the best available data, guidelines, natural resource management practices, and recreational management practices to achieve these outcomes in accordance with the original purposes for acquisition. Furthermore, the management activities described in this section are in compliance with those of the Conceptual State Lands Management Plan.

5.1 Land Management Review A land management review was conducted in February of 2011 and the results of that review and FWC responses to recommendations are included as Appendix 13.3. It was determined that the ECWMA is being managed in accordance with the purposes for acquisition and that management practices, including public access, are in compliance with the management plan.


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5.2 Adaptive Management Adaptive management is "learning by doing";1 it is the adjustment or modification of conservation actions to achieve a desired conservation goal. In practice, adaptive management is a rigorous process that includes sound planning and experimental design with a systematic evaluation process that links monitoring to management.1, 2 Adaptive management requires flexibility for implementation, but should be fitted over a fundamentally sound, well-planned design.

An adaptive management process produces the strongest inference and most reliable results when experimental design components are incorporated into the monitoring process. Adaptive management is most rigorously applied in an active format when components of experimental design (i.e., controls, replication, and randomization) are included in the monitoring process.2, 3 Incorporating valid statistical analyses of results will further enhance the value of the adaptive management process. However, in some situations, rigorous experimental design procedures can be relaxed without invalidating monitoring results. In a passive format, adaptive management can involve applying a conservation action at a site, observing the results and adjusting the action in the future if warranted. 2, 3

Proposed adaptive management, monitoring and performance measures are developed through literature reviews and FWC staff meetings. Overall, a results-based approach is incorporated into this Management Plan, for which effective monitoring is an integral component. The FWC will monitor conservation actions, species, habitats, and major threats to the conservation of the natural and cultural resources of the ECWMA.

5.2.1 Monitoring A well-developed monitoring protocol is also one of the principal, required criteria for the management of the ECWMA. Monitoring and performance measures are important, but often overlooked elements of conservation planning. Monitoring provides the critical link between implementing conservation actions and revising management goals.

Monitoring is the systematic, repeated measurement of environmental characteristics to detect changes, and particularly trends, in those characteristics. Monitoring provides essential feedback, the data needed to understand the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of planned conservation actions and the management projects undertaken to address them.2

For natural communities, monitoring protocols are established through the FWC’s Objective-Based Vegetation Management (OBVM, Section 5.3.1) program, which monitors how specific vegetative attributes are responding to FWC management. For focal or imperiled fish and wildlife species, monitoring protocols are established through the FWC’s WCPR program (Section 5.4.2). FWC staff may monitor additional fish and wildlife species when deemed appropriate. Exotic and invasive plant and animal species (Section 5.5) are also monitored as needed and appropriate. Recreational uses are monitored through the FWC’s Public Access and Wildlife Viewing program, and work in conjunction with the


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establishment and adjustment of public access carrying capacities (Section 5.6.3). Cultural and historical resources (Section 5.9) are monitored with guidance from the DHR.

5.2.2 Performance Measures Performance measures include qualitative or quantitative measures used to provide an estimate or index of the characteristic of interest, and to chart the overall progress of conservation actions towards specific goals. Successful monitoring programs and their associated performance measures provide natural resource professionals with valuable feedback on the effectiveness of conservation actions and make it possible to implement a more flexible adaptive management approach. An adaptive management approach ultimately will be more efficient and effective when it tracks inputs, incorporates an effective monitoring program that integrates performance measures, and evaluates results against desired goals.

5.2.3 Implementation The ECWMA Management Plan serves as the guiding framework to implement this adaptive management process. It serves as the underpinning for the integration of management programs (OBVM, WCPR, Public Access and Wildlife Viewing, Recreation Master Plans, etc.) underway to accomplish needed conservation actions that are planned to manage the natural resources of the ECWMA, and resolve conservation threats to fish and wildlife and the habitats they occupy. Based on evaluations of project results, the conservation actions are revised as necessary, and the adaptive management process is repeated.

5.3 Habitat Restoration and Improvement On ECWMA, FWC will focus on managing for native habitat diversity, emphasizing maintenance of high-quality natural communities, and restoration of disturbed areas. Restoration may be achieved on disturbed areas by the re-introduction of fire, restoring historic hydrological conditions and/or the use of mechanical or chemical management techniques as appropriate. Retention of the area’s native tree island and hydric hammock forests, while also providing for natural regeneration, remains an important consideration. The ECWMA has high-quality native communities including swale, slough, strand swamp, prairie hammock, and hydric hammock that FWC will continue to manage and protect. On disturbed upland sites, FWC intends to initiate natural community restoration.

FNAI has conducted surveys and mapped the current vegetative communities on the ECWMA. This information will be used to guide and prioritize management and restoration efforts on the area.

5.3.1 Objective-Based Vegetation Management The FWC uses a comprehensive resource management approach to managing FWC-managed areas. Restoring the form and function of Florida’s natural communities is the


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foundation of this management philosophy. FWC uses OBVM to monitor how specific vegetative attributes are responding to FWC management. The first step in implementing OBVM is to map the current, and in most cases the historic natural communities, on the managed area using the FNAI Natural Community Classification. The FWC contracts with FNAI to provide these mapping services, and plans to have natural community maps recertified on most areas on a five-year basis. A natural community, as defined by FNAI, is a distinct and recurring assemblage of populations of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms naturally associated with each other and their physical environment. After natural communities have been mapped, management units are delineated. Delineating management units takes into account the distribution and extent of the current and/or historic mapped natural communities, existing and proposed infrastructure, and other management considerations. FWC land managers then identify the predominant current or historic natural community within each management unit that guides the type and frequency of management activities that should be applied. At the same time, measurable habitat management objectives referred to as ‘desired future conditions’ are established for each actively managed natural community. Desired future conditions are the acceptable range of values for quantifiable vegetation attributes, such as basal area, shrub height and cover, and ground cover. FWC collaborated with the FNAI to identify ‘reference sites’ for each actively managed natural community and applied the OBVM monitoring methodology at these reference sites to determine what attribute values occur in a high-quality community (http://www.fnai.org/reference-natural-communities.cfm). FWC staff considers the reference site attribute values when setting area-specific desired future conditions for natural communities. Vegetation monitoring samples the selected attributes with the results being compared to the established desired future conditions. All monitoring performed under OBVM is completed using the program’s Standard Operating Procedures. Initial mapping and vegetation sampling provides FWC staff with baseline data indicating natural community structure, distribution, and condition on the area. Comparing the subsequent monitoring results to desired future conditions, provides key operational information on a natural community’s vegetation structural status at a given point in time and trend over time. Using this information, managers can evaluate, adjust and modify their management practices to meet the stated objectives. By comparing natural community mapping products through the years, managers can track progress in moving altered communities to functioning natural communities.


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http://www.fnai.org/reference-natural-communities.cfm

http://www.fnai.org/reference-natural-communities.cfm

5.3.2 Prescribed Fire and Fire Management Periodic spring and summer fires occurred in fire-adapted communities under natural conditions. Plant species composition reflects the frequency and intensity of these fires. The FWC employs a fire management regime to increase both species and habitat diversity and will continue a prescribed burning program on the ECWMA in accordance with vegetative management objectives. Through prescribed burning, the objective is to mimic a natural fire regime that reduces fuel loads, protects tree islands from catastrophic wildfires, and enhances natural communities for the benefit of wildlife.

As fire moves across a landscape, some areas carry fire better than others. Areas with higher vegetative fuel loads typically burn more evenly and with greater intensity. Areas with lower vegetative fuel loads or wetland areas inundated with water typically will not carry fire as evenly and usually burn at a lower intensity. Employing a burning program with different burning frequencies, intensities and seasonality (dormant season vs. growing season) of prescribed burns create habitat diversity and a mosaic of vegetation patterns. This mosaic is designed to have both frequently burned and infrequently burned aspects.

Hydrological alterations resulting from prior drainage projects in the area, and lack of fire have all combined to alter the plant species composition of the area, inhibiting the return to a more “natural” fire management regime. Site-specific combinations of prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical vegetation control, reforestation of tree islands, and restoration of natural water regimes are likely necessary actions needed to restore the area to historic natural communities.

Vegetative management objectives include a rotating fire return interval that averages three to five years for the swale natural communities. Though much of the vegetation found within the Everglades ecosystem is tolerant and even perpetuated by fire, some is not. Vegetation on tree islands, especially woody vegetation, decreases in tolerance to fire and flooding from the outer edge of the island to the center. Because of this intolerance of fire, an emphasis is placed on the protection of tree islands from fire. Prescribed burning is conducted year round on the ECWMA, although hydrology and weather factors typically determine the feasibility and timing of the burns.


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In addition to the general prescribed fire management guidelines described above, an area-specific Prescribed Fire Plan has been developed and implemented for ECWMA (Appendix 13.7). This plan includes delineation of burn management units, detailed descriptions of prescribed fire methodology, safety, smoke management guidelines, and other components.

5.3.3 Habitat Restoration Large-scale human alteration in this area began in 1948 when Congress authorized the Central and Southern Florida Project for Flood Control and Other Purposes. This project included the construction of a substantial system of canals and levees in the Everglades ecosystem to provide flood contol, water supply, preservation of fish and wildlife, and other environmental benefits to south Florida.

Management for each of the WMAs in the ECWMA requires a unique approach. The current condition of each WMA is a result of the property’s historic land uses, as well as more current management actions. A primary management goal for these lands is to restore, where appropriate, the natural form and function of the natural communities while maintaining a mosaic of habitats that meet the needs of the area’s wildlife. Upon successful restoration of natural communities, management of the restored areas will be guided by the OBVM program as discussed in Section 5.3.1.

Ongoing restoration efforts are concentrated on tree islands located within the ECWMA. Tree islands, although small in size compared to the overall size of the ECWMA, are essential to the functional integrity of the entire Everglades ecosystem. Many tree islands have suffered due to anthropogenic induced events. Restoration activities include removal of non-native species, planting of native groundcover or other appropriate mid-story and canopy tree species, and the maintenance of planted vegetation. Upon successful restoration of these altered areas, they will be monitored and maintained.

The primary species planted on tree islands and Miami canal spoil mounds include hackberry, red maple, pop ash, dahoon holly, Carolina willow, elderberry, bald cypress, wild coffee, pond apple, firebush, and cocoplum. A density of approximately 150 plants per acre is used to determine tree and shrub placement on tree islands, however, soil depth, tree island hydrology, and native species present on the tree island are also considered. Metal cages placed around individual planted trees and shrubs provide protection from wildlife damage and increase the plant’s chance of survival. To prevent vines and weeds from overgrowing and shading out the plants, the FWC utilizes contractors to maintain these cages on an annual basis and remove cages once plants are well established.


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5.4 Fish and Wildlife Management, Imperiled and Focal Species Habitat Maintenance, Enhancement, Restoration, or Population Restoration

5.4.1 Fish and Wildlife Due to the variety of natural communities, a diversity of associated wildlife, including rare, imperiled, common game, and non-game species, can be found on the ECWMA. In managing for wildlife species, an emphasis will be placed on conservation, protection and management of natural communities. As noted above, natural communities important to wildlife include swale, prairie hammock, and hydric hammock. Natural communities that are less represented on the ECWMA include strand swamp and slough. The size and natural community diversity of the ECWMA creates a habitat mosaic for a wide variety of wildlife species. Resident wildlife will be managed for optimum richness, diversity and abundance. In addition to resident wildlife, the ECWMA provides resources critical to many migratory birds including waterfowl, passerines, raptors, and water birds. Habitats important to migratory species will be protected, maintained or enhanced. The FWC intends to manage game populations to assure healthy game populations and a high-quality recreational experience. In general, game wildlife populations will be managed to provide continued recreational sport hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. The potential for conflicts among recreational activities and user groups will also be considered and continually monitored. Wildlife management emphasis is placed on documenting the occurrence and abundance of rare and imperiled species on the property. The FWC will continue to update inventories for certain species, with emphasis on rare and imperiled fish and wildlife species. Monitoring of wildlife species will continue as an ongoing effort for the area. Concurrent with ongoing species inventory and monitoring activities, management practices are designed to restore, enhance or maintain rare and imperiled species, and their habitats. This will be accomplished by following approved Federal and FWC species recovery plans, guidelines, and other scientific recommendations for these species. Guided by these recommendations, land management activities will address rare and imperiled species requirements and habitat needs. Section 5.4.2 below provides further information on FWC’s comprehensive species management strategy for rare and imperiled wildlife and their respective habitats.


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5.4.2 Imperiled Species: Wildlife Conservation Prioritization and Recovery The FWC has identified the need to: 1) demonstrate optimal wildlife habitat conservation on FWC-managed lands; 2) develop science-based performance measures to evaluate management; 3) recover imperiled species; and 4) prevent future imperilment of declining wildlife species. To help meet these needs, the FWC uses a comprehensive resource management approach to managing FWC-managed areas. Restoring the form and function of Florida’s natural communities is the foundation of this management philosophy. The FWC uses OBVM to monitor how specific vegetative parameters are responding to FWC management, and uses the WCPR program to ensure management is having the desire effect on wildlife. The goal of WCPR is to provide assessment, recovery, and planning support for the FWC-managed areas to enhance management of focal species and the recovery of imperiled species. WCPR program objectives include prioritizing what FWC does for imperiled and focal species on FWC-managed areas; ensuring the actions taken on these areas are part of statewide conservation programs and priorities; and informing others about the work accomplished on lands the FWC manages. The WCPR program helps FWC take a proactive, science-based approach to species management on FWC-managed lands. This approach assesses information from statewide potential habitat models and Population Viability Analysis, and in conjunction with input from species experts and people with knowledge of the area, creates site-specific wildlife assessments for imperiled wildlife species and a select suite of focal species. Staff combines these assessments with area-specific management considerations to develop a wildlife management strategy for the area. Each strategy contains area-specific measurable objectives for managing priority species and their habitat, prescribes management actions to achieve these objectives, and establishes monitoring protocols to verify progress towards meeting the objectives. By providing FWC managers with information on actions they should undertake, the FWC intends for the strategy to assure the presence and persistence of Florida’s endangered and threatened wildlife species (see http://myfwc.com/media/1515251/Threatened_Endangered_Species.pdf), as well as select focal species found on the area. In summary, for FWC-managed areas, the WCPR program helps assess imperiled and focal wildlife species needs and opportunities, prioritize what the FWC does for imperiled and focal species, prescribe management actions to aid in species recovery, prescribe monitoring protocols to allow evaluation of the species’ response to management, and ensure the information is shared with others. Through the actions of this program, the FWC will facilitate fulfilling the needs of focal and imperiled wildlife species on the ECWMA. In the long-term, by implementing these strategies on FWC-managed lands and continuing to assess wildlife species’ needs, the FWC will continue to play an integral role in aiding the


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http://myfwc.com/media/1515251/Threatened_Endangered_Species.pdf

recovery of imperiled species and preventing the future imperilment of declining wildlife species. As described above, the completed WCPR Strategy for the ECWMA identified potential habitat for 12 species on the ECWMA. For more detailed information regarding the ECWMA WCPR Strategy, and FWC’s planned monitoring and management actions for these species and their associated habitats, see Appendix 13.8.

5.5 Exotic and Invasive Species Maintenance and Control The FWC will continue efforts to control the establishment and spread of Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) Category I or II plants on ECWMA. Control technologies may include mechanical, chemical, biological, and other appropriate treatments. Treatments utilizing herbicides will comply with instructions found on the herbicide label and employ the Best Management Practices for their application. Additionally, the FWC will continue efforts to control the introduction of exotic and invasive species, as well as pests and pathogens, on the ECWMA by inspecting any vehicles and equipment brought onto the area by contractors and requiring that they be free of vegetation and dirt. If vehicles or equipment used by contractors are found to be contaminated, they will be referred to an appropriate location to clean the equipment prior to being allowed on the area. This requirement is included in every contract for contractors who are conducting any operational or resource management work on the area. In this way, FWC implements a proactive approach to controlling the introduction of exotic pests and pathogens to the area. Exotic and nuisance animal species of concern on the ECWMA include Burmese pythons, other Conditional Reptiles, purple swamphens and feral hogs. Some of these animals have high reproductive rates (e.g., feral hog). The FWC will consult with other regional natural resource managing agencies and private landowners to coordinate control measures as necessary. The FWC will also evaluate the efficacy of implementing additional population control measures, such as additional public hunting opportunities. The FWC will monitor for additional exotic animal species [e.g., Northern African Python (Python sebae), Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus), Common Caiman (Caiman crocodiles), and Argentine Black and White Tegu (Tupinambis merianae)] and take control as necessary. Fifty-eight exotic plant species (Table 5) and 48 exotic animal species (Table 11) infest approximately 1031 acres of ECWMA. Exotic species management actions have included annual exotic plant treatments, continued monitoring for new exotic species by agency staff and contracted personnel, and responses to new exotic wildlife incipient populations. Exotic plant control, both chemical and mechanical, is conducted annually for plants identified by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council as Category I and II, with the focus on


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invasive species such as Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, Old World climbing fern, and napier-grass. Due to the large size of the ECWMA, FWC typically coordinates annual exotic treatments with the SFWMD. FWC-funded contractors or FWC area staff annually treat tree islands, Miami canal spoil islands (created during the dredging of the Miami canal), and woody vegetation areas along the levees. Old World climbing fern and Napier grass are sporadically found in the area. Because Lygodium spp. has the potential for rapid spreading, surveys and treatment specific to this species have been conducted on tree islands in portions of the area.

The FWC’s methodology for determining the number of acres “infested” with invasive exotic plants only represents a cumulative acreage, and does not reflect the degree of the invasive exotic occurrence. The degree of infestation among areas indentified with invasive exotic plant occurrences often varies substantially by species, level of disturbance, environmental conditions, and the status of ongoing eradication and control efforts. The FWC will continue to focus treatments on areas identified as having invasive exotic plant occurrences, as well as treating any new occurrences as they are identified through continued monitoring.

5.6 Public Access and Recreational Opportunities

5.6.1 Americans with Disabilities Act When public facilities are developed on areas managed by FWC, every effort is made to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-336). As new facilities are developed, the universal access requirements of this law are followed in all cases except where the law allows reasonable exceptions. Recreation facilities in semi-primitive or primitive zones will be planned to be universally accessible to the degree possible except as allowed by the ADA4 where:

1. Compliance will cause harm to cultural or historic sites, or significant natural features and their characteristics.

2. Compliance will substantially alter the nature of the setting and therefore the purpose of the facility.

3. Compliance would not be feasible due to terrain or prevailing construction practices.

4. Compliance would require construction methods or materials prohibited by federal

or state statutes, or local regulations.

5.6.2 Recreation Master Plan The FWC has adopted a comprehensive approach to the planning and administration of fish and wildlife resource based public outdoor recreational opportunities for the ECWMA. To accomplish this, FWC will work with recreational stakeholders and the general public to


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develop a Recreation Master Plan for the ECWMA that will be used to further design and develop appropriate infrastructure that will support the recreational use of the area by the general public. This Recreation Master Plan will include planning for wildlife viewing and area resource interpretation.

5.6.3 Public Access Carrying Capacity Baseline carrying capacities for users on FWC-managed lands are established by conducting a site specific sensitivity analysis using available data for the site. The intent of the carrying capacity analysis is to minimize wildlife and habitat disturbance and provide the experience of being “immersed in nature” that visitors to FWC-managed areas desire. Carrying capacities are just a first step; management of recreational use requires a means of monitoring visitor impacts. Responding to these impacts may require adjusting the carrying capacities as necessary. The carrying capacities generated through this process are used as a tool to help plan and develop public access, wildlife viewing, and fish and wildlife resource based public outdoor recreation opportunities.

Based on an analysis of the overall approved uses and supported public access user opportunities, and the anticipated proportional visitation levels of the various user groups, the FWC has determined that ECWMA can currently support 5,857 visitors per day. However, objectives to develop additional recreation access and infrastructure resulting in an increase of the public access carrying capacity to 6,109 visitors per day has been proposed in Section 6.5 of this Management Plan.

It is important to note that public access carrying capacities are not developed to serve as a goal for expanding the public use of a particular area to match the established carrying capacity. Rather, they are developed to establish maximum thresholds for public use of the respective area in order to protect the natural and cultural resources on ECWMA and to ensure that visitors will have a high-quality visitor experience. The public access carrying capacity will be periodically reevaluated, and additional capacity may be contemplated as part of the Recreation Master Plan development and implementation process.

5.6.4 Wildlife Viewing The ECWMA provides a wide variety of native wildlife species, both resident and seasonally migratory, that are available for visitors’ enjoyment for observation and photography. The quality of habitat found on the ECWMA attracts a suite of species including various birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians throughout the ECWMA.


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In addition to airboats and tracked vehicles used to access the interior portions of the area, levees and recreational areas can be good places for visitors of the area to view wildlife. Visitors may encounter white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, and many other wildlife species. Everglade snail kites, red-shouldered hawks, various wading birds, and many migratory birds are seen throughout the year. Although not common residents, the Florida panther and Florida black bear are occasionally found on the area. This area is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

5.6.5 Hunting Hunting of waterfowl, white-tailed deer, feral hogs, conditional reptiles, alligators and small game occurs in the fall, winter and spring. Waterfowl such as blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, ring-necked ducks, and

mottled ducks are abundant. Visitors who plan to hunt on the area should always consult the area’s established regulations for seasons, bag limits, and general regulations before hunting on the area as these regulations are subject to change periodically.

5.6.6 Fishing Over 200 miles of canals within the area support many species of game fish including largemouth bass, bluegill and other species of sunfish, as well as catfish and several species of exotic fishes. In addition, the canal system serves as refuge for smaller fish species during periods of severe drought. These forage fish are an important part of the prey base for many species of wading birds. Visitors who plan to fish on the area should always consult the area’s established regulations for seasons, bag limits, and general regulations before fishing on the area as these regulations are subject to change periodically.

5.6.7 Boating Watercraft, including airboats, are permitted in the ECWMA, although there are restrictions on airboat use. Numerous boat ramps are available for the public. Visitors who plan to boat on the area should always consult the area’s established general regulations before boating on the area as these regulations are subject to change periodically.


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5.6.8 Trails There are no designated trails at the ECWMA; however the levees within the area are often used as trails.

5.6.8.1 Hiking Hiking is possible on most levees within the area, but is most popular along the L-67 and L-35 levees.

5.6.8.2 Bicycling Biking is possible on most levees within the area, but is most popular along the L-67 and L-35 levees.

5.6.8.3 Equestrian Horse-back riding is possible on most levees within the area, though this is not a popular activity at the ECWMA, nor is it recommended.

5.6.9 Camping Camping is permitted on the L-5 and Miami Canal levees (HWMA), the Manley Ditch, Powerline, and Miami Canal levees (RWMA), and throughout the entire area in EWMA. Camps may be set up seven days before archery season, and must be removed six days after the close of general gun-vehicle season. At other times, camping is permitted only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

5.6.10 Geocaching Geocaching, also known as Global Positioning System (GPS) Stash Hunt and GeoStash, is a contemporary combination of orienteering and scavenger hunting generally utilizing a GPS receiver unit. Geocache websites routinely promote good stewardship. However, the potential exists for resource damage, user conflicts, or safety issues caused by inappropriately placed caches and/or links that do not provide adequate information about the area. It is the policy of the FWC to allow placement of geocaches only in those locations that do not present the potential for resource damage, user conflicts, or threats to the safety of the activity participants. The placement of geocaches on FWC-managed lands is governed by specific guidelines. These guidelines may be found on the following FWC website: http://myfwc.com/media/1074886/FWC_Geocache_Guidelines.pdf.

5.6.11 Environmental Education There are currently no interpretive activities or educational programs occurring on the ECWMA. However, kiosks, interpretive signage, area brochures and a web site are developed to provide visitors an enhanced understanding of the Everglades ecosystem and its ecological importance.


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http://myfwc.com/media/1074886/FWC_Geocache_Guidelines.pdf

5.7 Hydrological Preservation and Restoration The hydrology of the Everglades region is very complex and has been heavily impacted by human activity. A large network of canals and levees, which are generally controlled by the COE, are used to manage water levels. Moreover, as described earlier, the Everglades is an oligotrophic wetland, where relatively low concentrations of nutrients often have significant ecological impacts. Already, nutrients from human activities have caused adverse changes in vegetation, water quality and community metabolism in all of the lands and waters comprising the ECWMA. Such changes may cause nuisance species to overtake or eliminate native flora and fauna. Adequate timing, distribution and flow of rainfall-quality water are necessary to maintain and perpetuate natural Everglades' habitats and a functional ecosystem. Water quality in the ECWMA is degraded from large inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus from surrounding areas. Elevated nutrient levels have altered plant communities and promoted the growth of cattails in the area. To preserve and improve the integrity of natural resources in the ECWMA, the FWC provides technical assistance and support to the COE, SFWMD, and other responsible agencies in their efforts to improve the quantity and quality of water entering the ECWMA. The distribution of cattails and their expansion will be mapped to monitor the effectiveness of water quality improvement programs.

Additionally, the movement of water was dramatically impacted by the construction of Interstate 75, which bisects EWMA, and the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), which serves as the southern border of the ECWMA.

5.7.1 Hydrological Assessment The FWC will continue to provide ecological and technical recommendations on water levels to appropriate water management agencies. In cooperation with the COE and SFWMD, the FWC will continue to develop and refine hydroperiods for the ECWMA and as necessary for Everglades restoration. The FWC will also continue to cooperate with the SFWMD to develop and implement water management infrastructure for the HWMA.

A Hydrology Assessment and a Conceptual Restoration Plan for ECWMA will be completed. Pursuant to the recommendations of the hydrological assessment, the FWC will implement hydrological restoration as feasible and appropriate. The FWC will also utilize the results of the hydrological assessment to implement management activities and regimens to better maintain appropriate seasonal water levels.

5.7.2 Water Resource Monitoring A water condition report is drawn up each month by staff at the ECWMA. These reports discuss the precipitation the area has received and the water levels on the area. The reports also discuss the movement of water across the area, as well as the impact that current hydrologic conditions have on wildlife. The FWC may initiate and facilitate


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additional water resources monitoring, in cooperation with DEP and the SFWMD, as deemed necessary.

5.8 Forest Resource Management There are no forest resources in the ECWMA, with the exception of tropical hardwoods found on tree islands. The FWC and the Florida Forest Service (FFS) have jointly determined that a professional forest assessment for ECWMA is unnecessary. The FWC will cooperate with FFS or a qualified professional forestry consultant regarding forest management activities as appropriate.

Pursuant to OBVM management goals, the FWC will continue to manage the area’s tree islands and hydric hammocks forest resources for wildlife benefits and natural community restoration. Management activities including exotic removal and re-planting may be utilized. The primary management technique for encouraging reforestation of tree islands is protection of young trees and seedlings on these sites from damage. However, where natural regeneration is lacking, artificial reforestation may be implemented. Planting trees on these selected sites is used to increase the rate of reforestation and to ensure diversity. All of the area’s forested communities are managed for stands with old growth characteristics. Snags will be protected to benefit cavity-nesting species.

5.9 Cultural and Historical Resources As mentioned in Section 2.8 of this Management Plan, there are numerous historical sites presently mapped or recorded by DHR for the ECWMA. The FWC will continue to collaborate with DHR to identify, assess, and preserve areas of cultural and historical importance. In addition, FWC will ensure management staff has DHR Archaeological Resources Monitoring training. Furthermore, FWC will refer to and follow DHR’s Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State-Owned or Controlled Properties for management of these resources, and prior to any facility development or other ground disturbing activities.

5.10 Capital Facilities and Infrastructure FWC’s land management philosophy is designed to conserve the maximum amount of wildlife habitat while providing the minimal number of capital facilities and infrastructure necessary to effectively conduct operational and resource management activities, and provide ample opportunities for fish and wildlife resource based public outdoor recreation. For these reasons, planned capital facilities and infrastructure will focus on improving access, recreational potential, hydrology, or other resource and operational management objectives.


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Figure 9: ECWMA Facilities


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Current capital facilities and infrastructure on ECWMA include an overlook, wildlife exhibit, and 27 boat ramps. Although there are seven miles of roads maintained by FWC, there are many additional miles of roads maintained by other agencies (Figure 9).

As described in Section 5.6.1 of this Management Plan, for any public facilities that are developed on areas managed by FWC, every effort is made to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-336).

5.11 Land Conservation and Stewardship Partnerships The FWC utilizes a three-tiered approach to identifying, acquiring or otherwise protecting important conservation lands adjacent to or in proximity to existing FWC-managed areas. This involves development of an Optimal Resource Boundary (ORB), Optimal Conservation Planning Boundary (OCPB) and associated Conservation Action Strategy (CAS). Increasingly, cooperative land steward partnership efforts with private landowners plays an integral role in this effort as does ongoing land conseration, either through fee-simple or less-than-fee conservation easements. In combination, this tiered model helps the FWC to further the regional conservation of important fish and wildlife habitats through a proactive, comprehensive, and cooperative approach towards conservation.


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5.11.1 Optimal Resource Boundary This three tiered model begins with the development of an ORB, which is a resource-based analysis on a regional scale that integrates important FWC conservation research and analysis into practical planning, acquisition, and management efforts through GIS analysis. The ORB focuses on critical and important wildlife species or habitat considerations such as rare and imperiled species habitat within a particular region or ecosystem-like area on a landscape scale within which an FWC managed area is contained while eliminating urban areas or lands that have already been conserved or protected.

5.11.2 Optimal Conservation Planning Boundary The second tier is known as the OCPB. The OCPB combines the regional natural resources identified in the ORB, as well as regional and local area conservation planning, including habitat conservation and restoration, habitat linkages, management challenges, land use and zoning issues, infrastructure including roads and developments, improving access, eliminating inholdings, providing prescribed burn buffers, resolving boundary irregularities, water resource protection, and conserving other important natural and cultural resources.

The OCPB provides the basis for development of a broader CAS for the ECWMA (Figure 10). Although the OCPB provides the basis for potential future voluntary, willing-seller conservation acquisitions, it is designed to function primarily as a conservation planning boundary. The OCPB identifies surrounding lands and natural resources that may be important to the continued viability of fish and wildlife populations in the region. As they are currently managed, these lands appear to contribute to regional conservation and may support conservation landscape linkages.

5.11.3 Conservation Action Strategy The CAS is the third tier, and implements the results of the ORB and OCPB tiers. This element of the process incorporates the conservation planning recommendations into an action strategy that prioritizes conservation needs. The CAS is integral to the development of conservation stewardship partnerships and also implements the current approved process for establishing the FWC Florida Forever Inholdings and Additions acquisition list.

Primary components of the CAS may include: • FWC Landowner Assistance Program • FWC conservation planning • FWC Additions and Inholdings Program Land Conservation Work Plan


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• Forest Stewardship Program proposals • Florida Forever project proposals and boundary modifications • Conservation easements • Federal or State grant conservation proposals • Regional or local conservation proposals • Local, state, and federal planning proposals • Non-governmental organization conservation proposals Continued conservation of these lands may be aided by available voluntary landowner stewardship programs, conservation easements, and in some cases, potential voluntary conservation acquisitions. Participation in any FWC conservation effort is entirely voluntary and at the sole choice of willing landowners. Private landowners seeking assistance with habitat management will likely find it offered within FWC's Landowner Assistance Program (LAP). The FWC employs biologists who are available to provide wildlife-related assistance with land-use planning and habitat management. There are many forms of assistance that include technical, financial, educational, and various forms of recognition that seek to award landowners who manage their wildlife habitat responsibly. More information on FWC’s LAP program and online habitat management tools are available online at: http://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/lap/ .

5.11.4 FWC Florida Forever Additions and Inholdings Acquisition List Currently, the FWC has identified no potential additions or privately held inholdings for the ECWMA. However, 64,809 acres of the Panther Glades Florida Forever project in neighboring Hendry county remain to be acquired. Upon completion of the CAS, additions to the FWC Florida Forever Additions and Inholdings acquisition list may be recommended.

5.12 Research Opportunities The FWC intends to cooperate with researchers, universities, and others as feasible and appropriate. For the ECWMA, the FWC will continue to assess and identify research needs, and pursue research and environmental education partnership opportunities as appropriate. Research proposals involving the use of the area are evaluated on an individual basis. All research activities on the ECWMA must have prior approval by FWC.


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http://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/lap/

Figure 10: Optimal Conservation Planning Boundary


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5.13 Cooperative Management and Special Uses 5.13.1 Cooperative Management The FWC is responsible for the overall management and operation of the ECWMA as set forth in the lease agreements with the Board of Trustees and the SFWMD. In keeping with the lease agreements, and in order to conduct its management operations in the most effective and efficient manner, the FWC cooperates with the SFWMD, the Miccosukee Tribe, and other agencies to achieve management goals and objectives described in this management plan. Additionally, the FWC cooperates with the DHR to ensure the requirements of the Management Procedures Guidelines - Management of Archaeological and Historical Resources document (Appendix 13.10.1) are followed with regard to any ground-disturbing activities. Also, FWC cooperates and consults with the SFWMD, COE, USFWS and DEP for the monitoring and management of both ground and surface water resources and the overall management of the ECWMA. 5.13.2 First Responder and Military Training First-responder (public governmental police department or agency, fire and emergency medical service personnel) training and military training are conditionally allowed on the ECWMA. Such activities are considered allowable uses only when undertaken intermittently for short periods of time, and in a manner that does not impede the management and public use of the ECWMA, and causes no measureable long-term impact to the natural resources of the area. Additionally, FWC staff must be notified prior to any such training taking place on the ECWMA. Any first-responder or military training that is not low-impact, intermittent and occasional would require an amendment to this management plan, and therefore will be submitted by FWC to DSL and ARC for approval consideration prior to authorization.

5.13.3 Apiaries Currently, there are no apiaries operating on the ECWMA. However, use of apiaries is conditionally approved for the ECWMA, and is deemed to be consistent with purposes for acquisition, is in compliance with the Conceptual State Lands Management Plan, and is consistent with the FWC agency mission, goals, and objectives as expressed in the agency Strategic Plan and priorities document (Appendix 13.6). Location, management, and administration of apiaries on the ECWMA will be guided by the FWC Apiary Policy (Appendix 13.9).

The FWC Apiary Policy will be followed with regards to site location, management, and administration of apiaries.


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5.14 Climate Change Because of Florida’s unique ecology and topography, any potential impacts as a result of climate change may be particularly acute and affect multiple economic, agricultural, environmental, and health sectors across the state. The impact of climate change on wildlife and habitat may already be occurring, from eroding shorelines and coral bleaching to increases in forest fires and saltwater intrusion into inland freshwater wetlands. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a multi-national scientific body, reports that climate change is likely proceeding at a rate where there will be unavoidable impacts to humans, wildlife, and habitat. Given current levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, shifts in local, regional, and national climate patterns including changes in precipitation, temperature, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, tidal fluctuations, and ocean acidification are projected. The current trend of global temperature increase has appeared to accelerate in recent decades, and continued greenhouse gas emissions may result in projected global average increases of 2 –11.5° F by the end of the century.5 This apparent change in global climate has the potential to disrupt natural processes; in some areas, climate change may cause significant degradation of ecosystems that provide services such as clean and abundant water, sustainable natural resources, protection from flooding, as well as hunting, fishing and other recreational opportunities. Consequently, climate change is a challenge not only because of its likely direct effects, but also because of its potential to amplify the stress on ecosystems, habitats, and species from existing threats such as exponential increases in surface and ground water use, habitat loss due to increased urbanization, introduction of invasive species, and fire suppression. Potential impacts that may be occurring as a result of climate change include: change in the timing of biological processes, such as flowering, breeding, hibernation, and migration; 6, 7, 8 more frequent invasions and outbreaks of exotic invasive species;9 and loss of habitat in coastal areas due to sea level rise.10 Some species are projected to adjust to these conditions through ecological or evolutionary adaptation, whereas others are projected to exhibit range shifts as their distributions track changing climatic conditions. Those species that are unable to respond to changing climatic conditions are projected to go extinct. Some estimates suggest that as many as 20% - 30% of the species currently assessed by the IPCC are at risk of extinction within this century if global mean temperatures exceed


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increases of 2.7 – 4.5° F.11 A number of ecosystems are projected to be affected at temperature increases well below these levels. At this time, the potential effects of climate change on Florida’s conservation lands are just beginning to be studied and are not yet well understood. For example, FWC has begun a process for currently developing climate change adaptation strategies for monitoring, evaluating, and determining what specific actions, if any, may be recommended to ameliorate the projected impacts of climate change on fish and wildlife resources, native vegetation, and the possible spread of exotic and invasive species. Currently, FWC is continuing its work on the development of these potential adaptation strategies. However, as noted above, the effects of climate change may become more frequent and severe within the time period covered by this Management Plan. For these reasons, there is a continuing need for increased information and research to enable adaptive management to cope with potential long-term climate change impacts. The most immediate actions that FWC can take are to work with partners to gather the best scientific data possible for understanding natural processes in their current state, model possible impacts and subsequent changes from climate change, develop adaptive management strategies to enhance the resiliency of natural communities to adapt to climate change, and formulate criteria and monitoring for potential impacts when direct intervention may be necessary to protect a species. To this end, when appropriate, FWC will participate in organizations such as the Peninsular Florida Land Conservation Cooperative or similar organizations so that FWC continues to gain understanding and share knowledge of key issues related to potential climate change. In addition, FWC will consider the need for conducting vulnerability assessments to model the potential effects of climate change, especially sea level rise and storm events, on imperiled species and their habitats on FWC managed land. Elements of climate change that may potentially affect the ECWMA include inundation and saltwater intrusion from sea level rise (Figure 11), more frequent and more potent storm events, alteration of vegetation reproductive cycles, and changes in the fire regime. The results of a Sea Level Affecting Marsh Model for the ECWMA shows habitats that may potentially be impacted. The low-lying coastal habitats, such as salt marsh and hardwood swamp natural communities are projected to face the most direct and dramatic impacts of climate change, particularly from a projected rising sea level and from the projected increased frequency and intensity of coastal storms.12, 13, 14, 15 The effects of sea level rise in the recent past have been observed on the adjacent ENP; cabbage palms have been dying on coastal islands due to salinity increases. The potential loss of habitat may


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result in the loss of species using that habitat, including migrating and nesting birds. Storm events also cause considerable physical damage to native vegetation along vulnerable shorelines, impacting nesting habitat for sea life and shorebirds. The projected rise in sea levels may decrease the availability and abundance of prey for wading birds that forage in shallow waters on the expansive tidal area of the Atlantic Coast. Climate change may amplify and hasten these effects, potentially at rates that exceed the normal resiliency of plant communities to recover, shift or adapt accordingly.16, 17 Projected salt water intrusion into the subsurface freshwater lens from potential sea level rise and saltwater inundation of surface freshwaters from storm surges may alter coastal ecosystems and freshwater marshes, possibly resulting in more salt-tolerant aquatic plant communities. To address the potential impacts of climate change on the ECWMA, Goals and Objectives have been developed as a component of this Management Plan (Section 6.11). Depending on the recommendations of the adaptive management strategies described above, additional specific goals and objectives to mitigate potential climate change impacts may be developed for the ECWMA Management Plan in the future.

5.15 Soil and Water Conservation Soil disturbing activities will be confined to areas that have the least likelihood of experiencing erosion challenges. On areas that have been disturbed prior to acquisition, an assessment will be made to determine if soil erosion is occurring, and if so, appropriate measures will be implemented to stop or control the effects of this erosion. Water conservation is accomplished through hydrological restoration, management, and monitoring as described in Section 5.7.


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Figure 11: Potential Sea Level Rise


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6 Resource Management Goals and Objectives The management goals described in this section are considered broad, enduring statements designed to guide the general direction of management actions to be conducted in order to achieve an overall desired future outcome for the ECWMA. The objectives listed within each management goal offer more specific management guidance and measures, and are considered the necessary steps to be completed to accomplish the management goals. Many of the objectives listed have specific end-of-the-calendar-year target dates for completion and all of them are classified as having either short-term (less than two years) or long-term (up to ten years) timelines for completion.

6.1 Habitat Restoration and Improvement Goal: Improve extant habitat and restore disturbed areas.

Short-term

6.1.1 Conduct prescribed burning on 8,000 acres of fire-adapted communities on the area per year.

6.1.2 Maintain 40,000 acres on the area per year within five year target fire return interval.

6.1.3 Conduct habitat/natural community restoration activities including tree island restoration, natural community restoration, or other upland habitat restoration activities on 200 acres of the area per year.

6.1.4 Continue to monitor areas of cattail encroachment and expansion.

Long-term

6.1.5 Continue to prescribe burn 8,000 acres of fire-adapted communities on the area per year.

6.1.6 Continue to maintain 40,000 acres of the area within a five year target fire return interval.

6.1.7 Continue to conduct habitat/natural community restoration activities on 200 acres of the area per year.


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6.1.8 Continue to monitor areas of cattail encroachment and expansion.

6.2 Imperiled and Focal Species Habitat Maintenance, Enhancement, Restoration, or Population Restoration

Goal: Maintain, improve, or restore imperiled species populations and habitats.

Short-term

6.2.1 Continue to implement the area’s WCPR strategy.

6.2.2 As described in the area’s WCPR strategy, monitor 19 imperiled and focal species including swallow-tailed kite, burrowing owl, crested caracara, Florida mottled duck, limpkin, northern bobwhite, short-tailed hawk, snail kite, southern bald eagle, reddish egret, white ibis, great egret, snowy egret, little blue heron, tricolored heron, wood stork, roseate spoonbill, Florida black bear and Florida panther.

6.2.3 As described in the area’s WCPR strategy, continue ongoing natural community management including tree island restoration, exotic plant control, and prescribed fire, and maintain positive working relationships with, and provide technical and ecological input to, water managers.

6.2.4 As described in the area’s WCPR strategy, continue to monitor wading bird colonies through interagency coordination.

6.2.5 As described in the area’s WCPR strategy, continue to monitor snail kite nesting and breeding behavior through intra- and inter-agency coordination.

6.2.6 As described in the area’s WCPR strategy, conduct a rare plant inventory.

6.2.7 Continue to collect opportunistic wildlife and rare plant species occurrence data on the area.

Long-term

6.2.8 Continue to implement the area’s WCPR strategy by managing identified habitats and monitoring identified species.

6.2.9 As described in the area’s WCPR strategy, monitor 19 imperiled and focal species including swallow-tailed kite, burrowing owl, crested caracara, Florida mottled duck, limpkin, northern bobwhite, short-tailed hawk, snail kite, southern bald eagle, reddish egret, white ibis, great egret, snowy egret, little blue heron, tricolored heron, wood stork, roseate spoonbill, Florida black bear and Florida panther. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | ECWMA Management Plan

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6.2.10 As described in the area’s WCPR strategy, continue ongoing natural community management including tree island restoration, exotic plant control, and prescribed fire, and maintain positive working relationships with, and provide technical and ecological input to, water managers.

6.2.11 Continue to collect opportunistic wildlife and rare plant species occurrence data on the area.

6.2.12 By 2022, revise and update the area’s WCPR strategy.

6.3 Other Wildlife (Game and Nongame) Habitat Maintenance, Enhancement, Restoration, or Population Restoration

Goal: Monitor, maintain, improve, or restore game and non-game species populations and habitats.

Short-term

6.3.1 Continue to conduct annual aerial white-tailed deer surveys on the area.

6.3.2 Continue to maintain white-tailed deer populations at or below high-water carrying capacity on the area.

6.3.3 Continue to maintain artificial wood duck nest structures on the area.

6.3.4 Continue to collect biological harvest data at the area’s check station.

6.3.5 Continue to collect opportunistic wildlife occurrence data on the area.

6.3.6 Continue to monitor wildlife use of upland habitats on the area.

6.3.7 Continue to monitor wildlife and fish populations during extreme water events on the area.

6.3.8 Continue to monitor alligator populations on the area.

6.3.9 Continue to monitor both native and exotic fish populations within the area and in the surrounding canals.

Long-term

6.3.10 Continue to conduct annual aerial white-tailed deer surveys on the area.

6.3.11 Continue to maintain white-tailed deer populations at or below high-water carrying capacity on the area.

6.3.12 Continue to maintain artificial wood duck nest structures on the area.


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6.3.13 Continue to collect biological harvest data at the area’s check station.

6.3.14 Continue to collect opportunistic wildlife occurrence data on the area.

6.3.15 Continue to monitor wildlife use of the area’s upland habitats.

6.3.16 Continue to monitor wildlife and fish populations during extreme water events.

6.3.17 Continue to monitor alligator populations on the area.

6.3.18 Continue to monitor fish assemblages, respond to range expansions for species of concern, and conduct additional monitoring in response to, or in anticipation of, Everglades restoration projects.

6.4 Exotic and Invasive Species Maintenance and Control Goal: Remove exotic and invasive plants and animals and conduct needed maintenance- control.

Short-term

6.4.1 Annually treat at least 2,200 acres of FLEPPC Category I and II invasive exotic plant species on the area.

6.4.2 Continue to implement control measures on exotic and nuisance animal species on the area (e.g., Burmese pythons and other Conditional Reptiles, purple swamphens, feral hogs).

6.4.3 Continue efforts to detect new exotic animal species on the area (in particular, Northern African python, Nile monitor, common caiman, and Argentine black and white tegu).

6.4.4 Continue to participate in FWC agency level outreach and education efforts regarding exotic animal species.

Long-term

6.4.5 Continue to annually treat at least 2,200 acres of FLEPPC Category I and II invasive exotic plant species on the area.

6.4.6 Continue to conduct survey and mapping of invasive exotic plant and animal species, and their possible impacts on native wildlife on the area.

6.4.7 Continue to implement control measures on exotic and nuisance animal species as necessary on the area (e.g., Burmese pythons and other Conditional Reptiles, purple swamphens, feral hogs).


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6.4.8 Continue efforts to detect new exotic animal species on the area (in particular, Northern African python, Nile monitor, common caiman, and Argentine black and white tegu).

6.4.9 Continue to participate in FWC agency level outreach and education efforts regarding exotic animal species.

6.5 Public Access and Recreational Opportunities Goal: Provide public access and recreational opportunities.

Short-term

6.5.1 Maintain the area’s public access and recreational opportunities to allow for a recreational carrying capacity of 5,857 visitors per day.

6.5.2 Continue to provide and monitor the area’s specific websites, eight informational kiosks, two day-use recreational facilities, wildlife exhibit, overlook, 27 boat ramps, and informational brochures for interpretation and education.

6.5.3 Develop a Recreation Master Plan for the area.

6.5.4 Continue to provide hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, migratory birds, alligators, waterfowl, small game, feral hogs, and conditional reptiles on the area.

6.5.5 Continue to provide fishing opportunities on appropriate water bodies on the area.

6.5.6 Repair the public boat ramp located at the southwest corner of EWMA.

Long-term

6.5.7 Implement the area’s Recreation Master Plan.

6.5.8 Monitor the area’s recreational facilities biannually for visitor impacts.

6.5.9 Reassess the area’s recreational opportunities every three years.

6.5.10 Continue to provide hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, migratory birds, alligators, waterfowl, small game, feral hogs, and conditional reptiles on the area.

6.5.11 Continue to provide and improve fishing opportunities on appropriate water bodies on the area.


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6.5.12 Cooperate with other agencies, counties, stakeholders, and regional landowners to investigate regional recreational opportunities including linking hiking, and multi-use trail systems between adjacent public areas.

6.5.13 Continue to identify partnerships that could provide for environmental educational programs and outreach.

6.5.14 Provide educational and informational facility (i.e., viewing structure with interpretive panels) at RWMA.

6.5.15 Continue to provide and monitor the area’s specific websites, eight informational kiosks, two day-use recreational facilities, wildlife exhibit, overlook, 27 boat ramps, and informational brochures for interpretation and education.

6.5.16 Develop additional public access and recreational opportunities (i.e., tower, boat ramp) to allow for a carrying capacity of 6,109 visitors per day on the area.

6.5.17 If feasible, improve a boat ramp along the southern boundary of EWMA.

6.6 Hydrological Preservation and Restoration Goal: Protect water quality and quantity, restore hydrology to the extent feasible, and maintain the restored condition.

Short-term

6.6.1 Based on the biological needs of wildlife and their habitats, and in cooperation with the COE and SFWMD, continue to develop and refine hydroperiods for the ECWMA and as necessary for Everglades Restoration.

6.6.2 Continue to provide ecological and technical recommendations to appropriate water management agencies.

6.6.3 Continue to cooperate with the SFWMD for the monitoring of surface and ground water quality and quantity on the area.

6.6.4 Continue to monitor the condition of tree islands during extreme water events on the area.

Long-term

6.6.5 Based on the biological needs of wildlife and their habitats, and in cooperation with the COE and SFWMD, continue to develop and refine hydroperiods for the ECWMA and as necessary for Everglades Restoration.


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6.6.6 Continue to provide ecological and technical recommendations on water levels to appropriate water management agencies.

6.6.7 Continue to monitor the condition of tree islands during extreme water events on the area.

6.6.8 Continue to cooperate with SFWMD to develop and implement water management infrastructure and plan for HWMA.

6.6.9 Restore natural hydrologic condition and function to 0.50 acres in RWMA (drill pad project).

6.6.10 Develop a hydrological assessment for HWMA and implement hydrological restoration as determined feasible.

6.7 Forest Resource Management Goal: Manage timber resources to improve or restore natural communities for the benefit of wildlife.

Short-term

6.7.1 Consult with the FFS or a professional forestry consultant regarding forest management activities as appropriate.

Long-term

6.7.2 Continue to consult with the FFS or a professional forestry consultant regarding forest management activities as appropriate.

6.8 Cultural and Historical Resources Goal: Protect, preserve and maintain cultural and historic resources.

Short-term

6.8.1 If determined to be necessary by the DHR, contract for a cultural and archaeological resources survey.

6.8.2 Continue coordinating monitoring efforts of the 126 known recorded sites as deemed appropriate by DHR and submit updates of additional sites to DHR for inclusion in their Master Site file.


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6.8.3 Ensure management staff has DHR Archaeological Resources Management training.

6.8.4 Follow the DHR’s Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State-Owned or Controlled Properties for the management of cultural and historic resources.

Long-term

6.8.5 Continue to monitor the 126 known recorded sites on the area as deemed appropriate by DHR and submit updates of additional sites to DHR for inclusion in their Master Site file.

6.8.6 Continue to follow DHR’s Management Procedures for Archaeological and Historical Sites and Properties on State-Owned or Controlled Properties for the management of cultural and historic resources.

6.9 Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Goal: Develop the capital facilities and infrastructure necessary to meet the goals and objectives of this Management Plan.

Short-term

6.9.1 Continue to maintain the area’s 29 facilities including a wildlife exhibit, an overlook, and 27 boat ramps. (Figure 12).

6.9.2 Continue to maintain seven miles of roads on the area.

6.9.3 Continue to maintain signage on the area as necessary.

Long-term

6.9.4 Monitor the area’s infrastructure biannually for visitor impacts.

6.9.5 Continue to maintain the area’s 29 facilities including a wildlife exhibit, an overlook, and 27 boat ramps (Figure 12).

6.9.6 Continue to maintain seven miles of roads on the area.

6.9.7 Construct two facilities on the area (RWMA viewing facility and shop/office facility) (Figure 12).

6.9.8 Improve or repair 29 facilities and seven miles of roads on the area (Figure 12).

6.9.9 Continue to maintain the area’s signage as necessary.


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6.10 Land Conservation and Stewardship Partnerships Goal: Enhance fish and wildlife conservation, resource, and operational management through development of an optimal boundary.

Short-term

6.10.1 Identify potential important wildlife habitat, landscape-scale linkages, wildlife corridors, and operational/resource management needs.

6.10.2 Identify and develop conservation stewardship partnerships.

6.10.3 Identify and pursue conservation acquisition needs.

6.10.4 Develop and maintain a GIS shapefile and other necessary data to facilitate nominations from the FWC OCPB and for FWC’s LAP and Land Acquisition Programs.

6.10.5 Develop a CAS for the area.

6.10.6 Contact and inform adjoining landowners about the FWC LAP to pursue non-acquisition conservation stewardship partnerships.

6.10.7 Determine which parcels should be added to the FWC acquisition list.

6.10.8 Identify potential non-governmental organization partnerships and grant program opportunities.

6.10.9 Determine efficacy of conducting an adjacent landowner’s assistance/conservation stewardship partnership workshop.

6.10.10 Identify potential conservation easements donations.

6.10.11 Evaluate and determine if any portions of ECWMA are no longer needed for conservation purposes, and therefore may be designated as surplus lands.

6.10.12 Coordinate and cooperate with first responders and military branches to allow for training opportunities for personnel as appropriate and compatible with the conservation of ECWMA.

Long-term

6.10.13 To minimize fragmentation of the area, continue to identify strategic parcels to revise the completed OCPB for ECWMA as appropriate and necessary.

6.10.14 Continue to identify and develop conservation stewardship partnerships.


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6.10.15 Continue to identify and pursue conservation acquisition needs.

6.10.16 Continue to maintain a GIS shapefile and other necessary data to facilitate nominations from the FWC OCPB and for the FWC LAP and Land Acquisition Program.

6.10.17 Continue to propose nominations of selected properties as additions to the FWC acquisition list.

6.10.18 Continue to pursue acquisition of parcels added to the FWC acquisition list as acquisition work plan priorities and funding allow.

6.10.19 As feasible, continue to periodically contact and meet with adjacent landowners to determine their willingness to participate in the CAS, and coordinate landowner assistance/conservation stewardship partnership workshops as deemed appropriate.

6.10.20 Coordinate and conduct landowner assistance/conservation stewardship partnership workshop(s) as necessary and appropriate.

6.10.21 Continue to identify potential conservation easements donations.

6.10.22 Continue to evaluate and determine if any portions of ECWMA are no longer needed for conservation purposes, and therefore may be designated as surplus lands.

6.10.23 Continue to coordinate and cooperate with first responders and military branches to allow for training opportunities for personnel as appropriate and compatible with the conservation of ECWMA.

6.11 Climate Change Goal: Develop appropriate adaptation strategies in response to projected climate change effects and their potential impacts on natural resources, including fish and wildlife, and the operational management of the ECWMA. Long-term

6.11.1 Coordinate with FWC-FWRI Climate Change Adaptation Initiative to identify potential impacts of projected climate change on fish and wildlife resources and operational management of the ECWMA.

6.11.2 Incorporate appropriate climate change monitoring protocols and management strategies into the OBVM program for the ECWMA.


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6.11.3 Incorporate appropriate climate change adaptation strategies into the WCPR for the ECWMA.

6.11.4 As appropriate, update the ECWMA Prescribed Fire Plan to incorporate new scientific information regarding projected climate change, such as increased frequency of drought, on the fire regime of the ECWMA’s fire-adapted habitats.

6.11.5 As science, technology, and climate policy evolve, educate natural resource management partners and the public about the agency’s policies, programs and efforts to study, document and address potential climate change; assess the need to incorporate public education about climate change into the update of the ECWMA Recreation Master Plan.

6.12 Research Opportunities Goal: Explore and pursue cooperative research opportunities.

Long-term

6.12.1 Explore and pursue cooperative research opportunities through universities, FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, and other partners.

6.12.2 Continue to cooperate with researchers, universities, and others as appropriate.

6.12.3 Continue to assess the need for and pursue research and environmental education partnership opportunities as appropriate.

7 Schedule: Timelines for Completion of Resource Management Goals and Objectives

The following section presents the short- and long-term goals and objectives for the management of the ECWMA graphically in a timeline format. These timelines directly reflect the short- and long-term goals and objectives presented above in Section 6.


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Figure 12: ECWMA Management Objectives


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8 Resource Management Challenges and Strategies The following section identifies and describes further management needs and challenges associated with the ECWMA and provides solution strategies that will address these challenges. These specific challenges may not be fully addressed in the broader goals and objectives section above, and are thereby provided here.

8.1 Challenge: A complete boundary survey of WMA is lacking.

8.1.1 Strategy: Explore the feasibility of contracting for the completion of an area boundary survey.

8.2 Challenge: Currently, there are several prohibited activities occurring on the ECWMA including off-road vehicle travel that have negative impacts on sensitive plant communities and water quality, degrade aesthetic qualities of the area, and damage wildlife species or their habitats.

8.2.1 Strategy: Through news media outlets, postings at entrance kiosks, and/or signage, inform the public about these activities and their detrimental effects on the area.

8.2.2 Strategy: Improve compliance with applicable regulations through increased FWC law enforcement staffing and patrols of problem areas.

8.3 Challenge: Facility vandalism and dumping/littering that have negative impacts on sensitive plant communities and water quality, degrades aesthetic qualities of the area, management operations and public use, and damages wildlife species or their habitats.

8.3.1 Strategy: Coordinate with FWC law enforcement, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties Sheriffs’ Departments to assist with control of litter, dumping, and vandalism on ECWMA.

8.3.2 Strategy: Through news media outlets, postings at entrance kiosks, and/or signage, inform the public about these activities and their detrimental effects on the area.

8.3.3 Strategy: Improve compliance with applicable regulations, litter laws, and protection of facilities through directed law enforcement patrols of problem areas.

8.4 Challenge: Currently, there is insufficient staffing to adequately participate in the Everglades restoration planning process.


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8.4.1 Strategy: Continue to cooperate and coordinate with SFWMD, COE, NPS, DEP, FWS, Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, and other stakeholders to address and ameliorate as possible.

8.4.2 Strategy: Request additional funding and staffing.

8.5 Challenge: Currently, there is no equipment storage or housing facility on the ECWMA which increases the cost and limits the overall management capabilities of the area due to the required logistics and movement of equipment from one area to another.

8.5.1 Strategy: Pursue location and funding to construct an equipment storage/shop/office facility and housing facility on ECWMA.

8.6 Challenge: Currently, FWC law enforcement staffing is at insufficient levels for optimal enforcement of regulations on ECWMA.

8.6.1 Strategy: Pursue funding for increased law enforcement staffing and additional private sector contract services.

8.7 Challenge: There are significant, ongoing smoke management challenges during prescribed burns due to proximity to major roadways and residential areas.

8.7.1 Strategy: Use available tools and resources to minimize smoke impact and increase outreach for areas of potential impact.

8.7.2 Strategy: Cooperate with other agencies such as the Florida Highway Patrol, DOT, FFS, and Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties Sheriffs’ Offices as well as FWC Law Enforcement.

8.8 Challenge: Exotic invasive plants from adjacent lands are spreading to ECWMA.

8.8.1 Strategy: Coordinate with the local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), FWC’s Uplands Invasive Plant Management Sub-Section, and FWC’s LAP to work with adjacent landowners to control and manage exotic invasive plants on adjacent properties.

8.8.2 Strategy: Coordinate with other governmental and private organizations to obtain resources to control and manage exotic invasive species on adjacent properties.


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8.9 Challenge: Currently, there is no sufficient facility to allow contractors to wash their equipment prior to entering and leaving the area to prevent introduction of pests, pathogens, and exotic invasive species onto ECWMA and other areas.

8.9.1 Strategy: Pursue funding to construct an equipment storage/shop/office facility on ECWMA, including a well and vehicle/equipment washing facility.

8.10 Challenge: Currently there are increased populations and associated impacts from exotic wildlife species such as feral hogs, Burmese pythons and other conditional species, etc. These exotic wildlife species are impacting the native ecology of ECWMA.

8.10.1 Strategy: Coordinate with FWC Wildlife Impact Management Section and other public agencies and stakeholders to develop and implement strategies to control and/or eradicate infestations.

8.10.2 Strategy: Implement hog trapping on the area if feasible

8.11 Challenge: Tree island degradation continues to occur on ECWMA and impacts the native plant and animal communities of the area.

8.11.1 Strategy: Continue to monitor conditions and adapt management actions to improve or restore impacted areas.

8.11.2 Strategy: Cooperate with other agencies to pursue monitoring and research alternative methods to reduce degradation and implement adaptive management techniques.

8.12 Challenge: Currently there are altered communities within ECWMA that cannot be restored until current efforts to implement Everglades restoration plans are completed.

8.12.1 Strategy: Continue to cooperate and coordinate with SFWMD, COE, NPS, DEP, FWS, Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, and other stakeholders.

8.13 Challenge: The Everglades Complex is part of a larger ecosystem over which FWC has limited control, but within which the activities of others have a great effect on the managed areas.


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8.13.1 Strategy: Continue to maintain and establish rapport with landowners adjacent to the ECWMA; provide technical assistance and advice in order to assure the welfare of ecosystem components; maintain working relationships with local representatives of governmental and regulatory agencies (i.e., SFWMD, four Florida counties, DEP, DOF, COE, NPS, USFWS, and the Miccosukee and Seminole Indian Tribes) to increase cooperation on ongoing management issues to develop viable solutions.

8.14 Challenge: Currently there is an insufficient amount of water that meets current water quality standards along with water control facilities to restore the natural hydroperiod within the HLWMA.

8.14.1 Strategy: Continue to cooperate and coordinate with SFWMD, COE, NPS, DEP, FWS, and other stakeholders.

9 Cost Estimates and Funding Sources The following represents the actual and unmet budgetary needs for managing the lands and resources of the ECWMA. This cost estimate was developed using data developed by FWC and other cooperating entities, and is based on actual costs for land management activities, equipment purchase and maintenance, and for development of fixed capital facilities. Funds needed to protect and manage the property and to fully implement the recommended programs are derived primarily from State Legislative appropriations. However, private conservation organizations may be cooperators with the agency for funding of specific projects. Alternative funding sources, such as monies available through mitigation, may be sought to supplement existing funding.

The cost estimate below, although exceeding what FWC typically receives through the appropriations process, is estimated to be what is necessary for optimal operational and resource management, and is consistent with the current and planned resource management and operation of the ECWMA. Cost estimate categories are those currently recognized by FWC and the Land Management Uniform Accounting Council. More information on these categories, as well as the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 operational plan showing detailed cost estimates by activity and categories of expenditures, may be found in Appendix 13.11.


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Table 14: ECWMA Management Plan One-Year Cost Estimate Maximum expected one year expenditure Resource Management Priority Schedule: Exotic Species Control $762,255 Immediate (annual) Prescribed Burning $115,121 Intermediate (3-4 years) Cultural Resource Management $1,252 Other (5+ years) Hydrological Management $6,259 Other (Restoration, Enhancement, Surveys, Monitoring, etc.) $513,607

Subtotal $1,398,493 Administration General administration $227,248

Support Land Management Planning $45,933

Training/Staff Development $10,014 Vehicle Operation and Maintenance $101,340 Other (Technical Reports, Data Management, etc.) $3,753 Subtotal $161,040 Capital Improvements New Facility Construction $910,421

Facility Maintenance $91,323 Subtotal $1,001,745 Visitor Services/Recreation Info./Education/Operations $69,085

Law Enforcement Resource protection $529,306

Total $3,386,918* * Based on the characteristics and requirements of this area, 12 full time equivalent (FTE) positions would be optimal to fully manage this area. All land management funding is dependent upon annual legislative appropriations.


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Table 15: ECWMA Management Plan Ten-Year Cost Estimate Ten-year projection Resource Management Priority Schedule: Exotic Species Control $7,763,956 Immediate (annual) Prescribed Burning $1,172,562 Intermediate (3-4 years) Cultural Resource Management $12,750 Other (5+ years) Hydrological Management $63,751 Other (Restoration, Enhancement, Surveys, Monitoring, etc.) $5,231,347

Subtotal $14,244,366 Administration General administration $2,314,640

Support Land Management Planning $467,851

Land Management Reviews $7,205 Training/Staff Development $102,001 Vehicle Purchase $902,005 Vehicle Operation and Maintenance $1,032,199 Other (Technical Reports, Data Management, etc.) $38,228 Subtotal $2,549,488 Capital Improvements New Facility Construction $1,719,319

Facility Maintenance $930,175 Subtotal $2,649,494 Visitor Services/Recreation Info./Education/Operations $703,669

Law Enforcement Resource protection $5,391,253

Total $27,852,909* * Based on the characteristics and requirements of this area, 12 full time equivalent (FTE) positions would be optimal to fully manage this area. All land management funding is dependent upon annual legislative appropriations.


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10 Analysis of Potential for Contracting Private Vendors for Restoration and Management Activities

The following management and restoration activities have been considered for outsourcing to private entities. It has been determined that items selected as “approved” below are those that FWC either does not have in-house expertise to accomplish or which can be done at less cost by an outside provider of services. Those items selected as “conditional” items are those that could be done either by an outside provider or by the agency at virtually the same cost or with the same level of competence. Items selected as “rejected” represent those for which FWC has in-house expertise and/or which the agency has found it can accomplish at less expense than through contracting with outside sources:

Approved Conditional Rejected

• Levee maintenance ✓

• Exotic species control ✓

• Mechanical vegetation treatment ✓

• Public contact and educational facilities development ✓

• Prescribed burning ✓

• Vegetation inventories ✓

11 Compliance with Federal, State, and Local Governmental Requirements

The operational functions of FWC personnel are governed by the agency’s Internal Management Policies and Procedures (IMPP) Manual. The IMPP Manual provides internal guidance regarding many subjects affecting the responsibilities of agency personnel including personnel management, safety issues, uniforms and personal appearance, training, as well as accounting, purchasing, and budgetary procedures.


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When public facilities are developed on areas managed by FWC, every effort is made to comply with Public Law 101 - 336, the Americans with Disabilities Act. As new facilities are developed, the universal access requirements of this law are followed in all cases except where the law allows reasonable exceptions (e.g., where handicap access is structurally impractical or where providing such access would change the fundamental character of the facility being provided).

Uses planned for the ECWMA are in compliance with the Conceptual State Lands Management Plan and its requirement for “balanced public utilization,” and are in compliance with the mission of FWC as described in its Agency Strategic Plan (Appendix 13.6). Such uses also comply with the authorities of the FWC as derived from Article IV, Section 9 of the Florida Constitution as well as the guidance and directives of Chapters 372, 253, 259, 327, 370, 403, 870, 373, 375, 378, 487, and 597 FS.

The FWC has developed and utilizes an Arthropod Control Plan for the ECWMA in compliance with Chapter 388.4111 F.S. (Appendix 13.12). This plan was developed in cooperation with the local arthropod control agencies. This plan is also in conformance with the Local Government Comprehensive Plans as approved and adopted for Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties, Florida, (Appendix 13.13).

12 Endnotes 1 Aldridge, C. L., M. S. Boyce and R. K. Baydack. 2004. Adaptive management of

prairie grouse: how do we get there? Wildlife Society Bulletin 32:92-103.

2 Wilhere, G. F. 2002. Adaptive management in Habitat Conservation Plans.

Conservation Biology 16:20-29. 3 Walters, C. J. and R. Hilborn. 1978. Ecological optimization and adaptive

management. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 9:157–188.

4 Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas, Final Report (1999).

5 Karl, T. R., J. M. Melillo, and T. C. Peterson (Eds.). 2009. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States. Cambridge University Press. New York, NY.


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6 McCarty, J. P. 2001. Ecological consequences of recent climate change. Conservation Biology 15:320-331.

7 Walther, G. R., E. Post, P. Convey, A. Menzel, C. Parmesan, T. J. . Beebee, J. M. Fromentin, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, and F. Bairlein. 2002. Ecological responses to recent climate change. Nature 416:389–395.

8 Parmesan, C. 2006. Ecological and evolutionary responses to recent climate change. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 37:637-669.

9 Logan, J. A., and J. A. Powell. 2009. Ecological consequences of climate change altered forest insect disturbance regimes. In Climate Warming in Western North America: Evidence and Environmental Effects (F. H. Wagner, Ed.). University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, UT.

10 Stevenson, J. C., M. S. Kearney, and E. W. Koch. 2002. Impacts of sea level rise on tidal wetlands and shallow water habitats: A case study from Chesapeake Bay. American Fisheries Society Symposium 32:23-36.

11 IPCC. 2007b. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

12 Emanuel, K.A. 1987. The Dependence of Hurricane Intensity on Climate. Nature 326: 483-485.

13 Emanuel, K.A. 2005. Increasing Destructiveness of Tropical Cyclones Over the Past 30 Years.

14 Webster et al. 2005; Webster, P. J., et al. 2005. Changes in Tropical Cyclone Number, Duration, and Intensity, in a Warming Environment. Science 309: 1844–1846.

15 Mann, M.E. and K.A. Emanuel. 2006. Atlantic Hurricane Trends Linked to Climate Change. Eos Trans. AGU 87: 233-244.

16 Stanton, E.A. and F. Ackerman. 2007. Florida and Climate Change: The Costs of Inaction. Tufts University Global Development and Environment Institute and Stockholm Environment Institute–US Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA.

17 Clough, J.S. 2008. Application of the Sea-Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM 5.0) to Crystal River NWR. Warren Pinnacle Consulting, Inc. for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 46 pp.


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